Giving thanks when my schedule is overwhelming.

Giving thanks when my schedule is overwhelming could prove difficult. I will never catch up.  It will be Valentine’s Day before I can decorate anything!

! wondered about you. If I know you well or only slightly, I am praying for you and your family, I hold you in my heart. I wonder how your life is going and if, in even the least of ways, my notes have truly offered you help and hope.

For a message by Billy Graham on Being Thankful for All Things, click here.

Giving thanks even for a few moments can change your day.

It was wet and brutal cold yesterday. Today I woke up to the sun shining through my lacy curtains.  Outside as I was giving thanks to God for His provision, I drank in that cool, clean air, and felt as though I could conquer the world (for a brief moment). I’m thankful for those times. I wish fresh air and sunshine for your busy days.

Later as I rushed through the grocery store, I was greeted with young people wishing me happy holidays and sharing bear hugs . I wish for you hugs from wee ones; they warm our hearts and put life into perspective.

Giving thanks results in sharing with others.

When I do take time to thank God for all He has provided, He nudges me in some way to share with others. It may be simply buying an extra carton of on sale canned goods for the food pantry.

One time, it was to simply get a large cup of flavored coffee to drop off at a shut-ins. The smiles gained when she sipped that brew she could no longer get out to enjoy was priceless! Another time, I paid it forward for an older fella who had stood patiently in the grocery line to pay for his bag of donuts. “God bless you, sir!” His smile told the story; he had been blessed indeed!

Many of you are busier than I, struggling to make it through the day. While I can’t drop in with a treat or hold your hand or hug your neck, perhaps there are a few things I can do for you today.

While giving thanks for you –

1. I can encourage from an understanding heart. I have been there, in the trenches and in the good times. I know firsthand that every caregiver, parent, or child needs hope, love and understanding.

2. I can pray for you. I believe that the love of God knows no boundaries. I believe He cares for us in ways we cannot understand. I believe He wants to comfort you and strengthen you and those you love.

3. I can listen to you. I am a good listener. Sometimes, just talking helps. I want to encourage you, if nothing else, to set aside a few minutes each day to journal your thoughts and your feelings. Be honest with them. And, please let me know when a column meets your need. Let me know how I can be a better encourager for you personally.

Lots of chattering today. Sometimes it’s good to just sit down and talk to an old friend. I really do care about you; I hope you know Jesus cares.

A tried and true method of learning to be thankful in all things is reading Scripture verses. Click here for some verses to copy and meditate upon.  Looking forward to hearing from you soon.