Gratitude

 My Sweet Grands,

I know this is a little late, but I think we should talk about gratitude and having a thankful heart everyday.  

My favorite holiday is  Thanksgiving.  I love everything about it.  The beauty of all the colors, the smells, the simple act of showing gratitude to others and for what we have.  I love that family gathers to enjoy traditions and that the center on a heart of gratitude.

Thanksgiving 2024

Since Harrison was in kindergarten (he's now 26) each November we take a few moments after dinner to write down something we are thankful for on a construction paper pumpkin.  We share them with one another and then tape them to our coat closet door.  Throughout the month it is wonderful to see our gratitude grow as the door fills with orange pumpkins.

I have kept these pumpkins safe in ziploc's in a holiday tub.  Just the other day I was reading through some of the first "Thankful Pumpkins".  The simplicity and honesty of the kids gratitude made me smile.  It isn't about the grandness of our gratitude, rather the sincerity of it.   

In 1992 Robert D. Hales said, "Gratitude is a state of appreciation, and act of thanksgiving, which causes us to be humble because we recognize an act of kindness, service, or caring for someone else which lifts us and strengthens us."

I have been thinking a lot lately on how I can focus more on gratitude each day and not just at certain times.  It needs to be simple and something I will remember to do.

Here are 3 simple ways I can focus more on gratitude.

1.  Before going to bed at night share with a loved one your blessings of the day.

2.  Keep a gratitude journal.  Record in a journal or on social media what you are grateful for.

3.  Offer a prayer of gratitude.  Nothing else, just what you are grateful for.

For many years Pops (Sean) and I share our blessings of the day with one another before turning off the light.  Even if it has been a difficult day I look for blessings.  Often it is in a beautiful sunset, time with a loved one, hugs from Cutie E or giggles from Cutie O.  Looking for those blessings, acknowledging them instead of the negative aspects of the day invites peace and joy as I fall asleep.  

Ocean City, MD sunrise

Focusing more on gratitude will not eliminate my trials or disappointments of life, but it does help me persevere with hope during those times.  I have been amazed that during difficulties if I focus on gratitude and service my own hardships seem to fade from my mind.  I am able to move forward with more joy.

It is not by chance that our Thanksgiving celebration comes before Christmas.  It gives us an opportunity to reflect on our blessings and prepare our hearts for the Birth of Christ.  My goal this year is to show more gratitude and to keep the feelings I have at Christmas with me all year.