We had such a blessed Thanksgiving with family and adopted family! My heart was filled to overflowing with joy and thankfulness to the point of tears.....though I was weary by day's end. Filling two tables with loved ones and food fulfills some deep part of me. One of the best parts was when we went around to share what we were thankful for over the last year.
We wrote them on little scraps of paper, then shared them with the group. My daughter collected them so we could hang them on our 'gratitude tree'. Gratitude for bacon, trucks, family, health, Jesus, spouses, and new seasons of life were hung up on the tree as yellow and red 'leaves of gratitude'.
Gratitude changes people. It lifts the tiredness, strengthens weary arms, and helps to carry a heavy burden. It gives new focus and renewed appreciation for what you have.
Whenever I hear of a loved one struggling with health issues, suddenly the petty concerns in my life fade. My perspective quickly changes as I'm reminded again not to take health for granted, and to simply be thankful for health and family, letting everything else fall to the side.
One day as we walked into Costco, I randomly (I think God timed it) started explaining to my kids how people that worked to protect our country wear special veteran hats or coats. We talked about watching for them and telling them 'Thank you'. Well, as I'm sure you can guess, as we walked down the main aisle there suddenly was a veteran shopping near us. "Excuse me sir!" I said to get his attention, then turned to talk to my daughter. "This is what I was just telling you about! Do you see his special hat? That means he fought to protect our country."
(I got tears in my eyes when I told this story to my husband) Those beautiful little blue preschool eyes looked up at the elderly gentleman and said in her sweet, unprompted voice......"Thank you!"
The gentleman began to share his story and how he knew of an even older veteran. Gratitude changes people. That day in Costco, that man was noticed and appreciated for how he had lived his life by a little girl with blue eyes.
Recently we purchased a used bedroom set and needed to pick it up from the owners. The gentleman was a retired serviceman who had served over 40 years. I noticed his hat collection, and thanked him for serving our country. As the night progressed while we were loading up the bedroom set, he began to share details of where he met his wife and where he had been stationed. When everything was finally loaded, he bid us farewell, sent holiday best wishes, and thanked us for our support. His countenance changed when he was noticed and appreciated for his life's work. Gratitude changes people.
Who else needs to hear these words? Is it the busy checker at the store? Is it a faithful friend who always listens? Is it a veteran wearing a special hat? It's too common in our culture to take people for granted, and to be self-focused instead of expressing appreciation for those around us.
But gratitude gives strength to the weary, courage to the fearful, and a sense of value to those who feel ignored. When you are noticed and appreciated for something you have done, it makes you want to serve more. It also makes you start noticing how others have served you. Gratitude becomes contagious, as you spread it to others.
In this busy season of shopping, parties, programs and preparations, can we be people of gratitude? People who are not too busy to notice those around us and tell them we appreciate their work.
I'm thankful for you. Thank you for sharing this space with me and for your patience when I don't show up during busy seasons. You make my heart happy and I'm grateful for our time together.
Sojourning with you,
Felicia
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