I had a lot of time to think last evening.. Sam and I checked in to the hotel and as Sam was watching the Kansas City Chiefs (our favorite team) I was just resting.. I was thinking about Thanksgiving and about all the things that I am so grateful for. Being thankful brings me such pride in knowing that my parents taught me to be grateful. Did you know that Gratitude has a way of shifting the whole atmosphere of our lives, even on the days when everything feels a little sideways and the coffee tastes suspiciously weak?
The thing about thankfulness is that it doesn’t demand perfection. It doesn’t ask us to pretend everything is amazing or to ignore the tough stuff. It simply invites us to notice—to see the everyday mercies, the small kindnesses, the quiet comforts, and the unexpected smiles that slip into our ordinary days. It’s the difference between saying, “Ugh, look at this mess,” and “Well… at least I didn’t trip over it today. Progress!” Gratitude gives us room to laugh at life instead of being swallowed by it.
Thankfulness isn’t just a reaction—it’s a practice. A choice. A habit of the heart. Some mornings it comes naturally, like sunshine. But oh goodness...Other mornings it comes with a little effort, maybe a lot of effort....a deep breath, and Lol....maybe a whispered, “Lord, help me find something good in this moment.” And wouldn’t you know—it always shows up.
Holding thankfulness in our hearts doesn’t erase the challenges, but it does soften them. It brightens the day. It reminds me of what is still good, still beautiful, still worth holding onto. It gives me perspective, peace, and sometimes even the humor I didn’t know I needed. I've been guilty of saying, “Thank goodness this day is almost over,” and hey… that still counts.
Today, I’m choosing to fill my heart with thankfulness—big things, small things, imperfect things, funny things, and the things I used to overlook. It truly is joyful and pleasant to live with a grateful heart. And the more we look for blessings, the more they seem to multiply right before our eyes.
Real life sometimes includes tangled hair, holes in socks, not a single egg in the refrigerator when you need it, an empty gas tank, etc..etc... But dear me, dear me...the blessings are abundant!!
Have a good day y'all.. Btw..my Kansas City Chiefs lost the game, but I know they will play better next week.
Shug 🤓
Good thoughts on thankfulness! We have so much to be thankful for, and you're right. An attitude of gratitude makes such a difference.
ReplyDeletethank you Mari. in spite of so much happening in the world today, we are a blessed nation. so thankful
DeleteI believe heartfelt thankfulness comes from the Holy Spirit working within us, not from our own efforts or actions. It's when we truly understand the grace and love that God has lavished upon us through Jesus Christ, gratitude naturally flows from our hearts. The Holy Spirit reminds us of our complete forgiveness, our perfect union with Christ, and the incredible blessings we have received. This understanding and awareness of God's grace lead to genuine thankfulness.
ReplyDeleteWhen we take the time, like you did to see the fullness of what we have in Jesus, how can we not be thankful? It's that give and take - the Holt Spirit gives and we take that thankfulness and gratitude and spread it to others, just as you do in all your posts.
Thank you, Shug, - Like always, you spun a profound, yet simple message on something we all need to be mindful of as we approach this cherished time of year. 🌸
a beautiful comment Debby. I am extremely thankful for the Holy Spirit.. The very breath of God breathing upon me. Blessings
DeleteIt is good to see a post from you today especially! I have been praying for safe travel, the biopsy to go well, and a good report!!
ReplyDeletemorning Ginny. I'm sitting here in the waiting room ..just waiting for Sam's procedure to be finished. had a little time, so I thought I would visit a few blogs. Thank you so much for all your prayers. Dr said would should have the results back by Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteWe can always find something for which to be thankful even when our day seems to be going sideways. Gratefulness does cultivate such joy in our hearts, doesn't it? Blessings, Shug!
ReplyDeleteThank you, this was so good Shug, You are right, it is a practice. I think we grow stronger with our faith, joy and love when we are thankful.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and Sam.
xx oo
Carla
Oh, this is so dear, Shug. It's so good to be thankful for all the things that come along in our day. Not a single egg in the refrigerator when we need it, Oh, that sounds so familiar haha. And tangled hair, if you only knew. This girl has thick curly hair - not a day goes by when it isn't tangled. You're such a thankful person, and I read one time that grateful people are the happiest people. I believe that is true. That cat had too much pumpkin pie! Have I told you lately that you are a gem, Shug?
ReplyDelete~Sheri
prayers of Thanksgiving for quick results of the test, some times waiting for results is hard to do. thanks for a wonderful Thanksgiving Post and its now even here yet
ReplyDeleteBig Fat Hugs to you this morning. Thankfulness just pours from you. Thanks for the reminder to be thankful for the small and sometimes hidden things of life. I am thankful that Dave is a skosh better today and we both slept pretty well last night.
ReplyDeleteThankful for all the support from friends and family. I am truly blessed.
I am actually thankful for the crazy squirrel that's leaping from tree to tree and then to our roof with a thud. Thankful to have something entertaining to watch out my "office" window on this gray and drippy day.
(((hugs)))
Sue
What a beautiful post, Shug. I just came from another blog that had an emphasis on being thankful. I know how being thankful can shift the atmosphere...it truly does change our outlook on life. Prayers for you and for Sam. Praying that all went well today with his biopsy.
ReplyDeleteCould not love this more my Friend. Gratitude is such an amazing gift to choose in each day as it does completely change the outlook on life. During my most difficult days (my divorce after 30 years together, family health issues etc) I prayed in thanksgiving every single day. I kept my focus on the blessings I was given through the pain - and it made those terrible moments so much more manageable. God is so good and there is so much to be truly thankful for. Perfect season to dwell on this a bit. 🙏🏻🍁🧡 Blessings on your week ahead. xo
ReplyDeleteThankful for friends like you! Travel safely and I am praying for good news on that biopsy. Anxiety...we have some here...Cancer does that to a person.
ReplyDeleteThank you Connie. very understandable the reason for anxiety .. prayers for both of our guys
DeleteAmen to that!
ReplyDelete❤️❤️
DeleteAmen to "thankfulness in our hearts doesn’t erase the challenges, but it does soften them."
ReplyDeleteThe picture of the cat that swallowed the turkey brought back a really old memory of a dog we used to have that looked like a deer with very skinny legs. He would eat everything (except liverwurst). Anyway, one Thanksgiving we put the leftover turkey on the balcony so the dog wouldn't get to it, but somehow he did manage to get out there and wound up eating the whole thing--carcass and all. He looked like the cat in your meme. When my son went to walk him, he (the dog) could barely walk because his stomach practically touched the ground and his skinny legs were all splayed out. It was a sight to behold.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful post and for bringing back that old memory.
I had a few laughs about your dog. Bless its heart.. he was full and parable miserable .
DeleteWishing you a great week ahead!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! And all God's people said, "Amen!"
ReplyDeleteI thought I saw a prayer request on your FB page this morning, but when I looked again it was gone. I hope and pray all is well and Sam is resting comfortably.
So well said. And no matter how bad things may be there is always some small thing you can find to be grateful for
ReplyDeleteIf one tries hard enough they can find many things to be thankful for.
ReplyDeleteI hope you hear the GREAT results soon. I really do love being grateful for things. I look all day long.
ReplyDeleteAn inspiring piece!
ReplyDelete