As the holiday season approaches, we as consumers are reminded of the importance of being thankful.  The season awakens us to feelings of gratitude and the blessings that are around us all year become more vivid. 

This is the month and the season that we all look deep within ourselves to search, find, and gather up all that we are thankful for each day.  For some, it is very difficult to find a reason to celebrate, but prayer and faith help define and clarify reasons to be grateful. 

As I walk through retail stores I read the words, “Thanksgiving”, “Give Thanks”, ”Thankful”, and “Gratitude”.  I listen to and watch advertisements that highlight warmth, family, and a season of giving thanks.

It is my hope that our gratitude extends beyond this month or this season, and beyond us as individuals.  I challenge us as a nation and a world to see opportunities to be thankful for all that we do. 

I pray that our nation and the world unite to find ways to foster love.  To love your neighbor.  The kind of love that extends out to those you don’t know, to those who need extra attention, to those who are searching for something greater, and to those who do not yet know they are searching.

It is the season of Thanksgiving, but I challenge us to live a life of thankfulness. I challenge us to have faith that every day there are reasons to be grateful.

I am grateful for every moment of my life. I am thankful for every adventure, every tragedy, and every opportunity I encounter.  It is my faith that carries me through the good and difficult times.

Some of the difficult times have led to my most treasured memories.  The years spent with my husband were some of the best years of my life.  His death was tragic to us, but it brought the girls and me to the next step of our journey. 

It opened up an opportunity for the girls and me to move closer to my parents.  My parents were then able to enjoy seeing their granddaughters grow up and I was blessed with and thankful for quality time spent with my parents. 

When one door closes another door opens.  It is my faith that gives me the strength to move forward and be thankful for the change.  I am most grateful for my faith and my faith is the reason I am thankful. 

It is my hope that as we give thanks this season we will also remember to be grateful and thankful throughout the year.

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