Thankfulness – It’s Not Just for Thanksgiving Anymore!
Every day we battle it and most of us (if we are honest with ourselves) have it – a case of the “give me’s and I want’s.” It’s hard not to in today’s society where we have constant and instant access to almost anything… see it, like it, buy it or text it, tweet it, email it! The fact is, if we are able to read this on our computer, smart phone, tablet or any other device, we already have more than most of the world’s population… namely, an education and disposable income.
But with this technology, I think most would agree that the pace of everyday life and demands in our civilized society can be often be overwhelming and demanding. When I feel like I cannot answer one more email, return another call, sign up for another committee, volunteer my time to fill-in-the-blank, attend another practice or game, schedule another appointment for the doctor, dentist, haircut, veterinarian; etc., I have been known to declare that I want to “throw my phone and computer in the marsh!” Then, after voicing the thought, I realize just how bratty it sounds.
Wondering what I could do to change my attitude and keep a busy and blessed life in perspective, I happened upon a wonderful little devotion by Lysa Terkeurst. It kind of turned my thinking (and attitude) upside down. She talks of “managing blessings” and it involves peanut butter and a doctor’s appointment. Intrigued? To read click here
After reading her devotion, and with this attitudinal change churning around in my head, I thought the concept of managing blessings would make a great post with Thanksgiving fast approaching. Cut to a few days later when I picked up my November issue of Southern Living. The first thing I like to do is read the “Editor’s Welcome” (ok,ok… maybe I sometimes do a little quick drooling over the recipes and interiors) because Lindsay Bierman is quite the wordsmith and each month, his topic seems to resonate with me.
Well, this particular letter really hit home. It was spot-on for what I was feeling in today’s world and with the hectic holiday season officially upon us. After reading his eloquent words, I immediately made the connection between managing blessings and fancy problems and recognized that the things (blessings often disguised as responsibilities) I often grumble about are exactly that… fancy problems. To read this lovely letter click: Lindsay’s Editor’s Welcome
What I have taken away from all of this is that thankfulness is not just for Thanksgiving anymore! I am purposefully trying to remember in the middle of it all, in the hustle and bustle, when complaints and grumbling pop into my head and out of my mouth about my “to-do” list or when someone bumps my happy, is that I am managing blessings and dealing with “problems” that others will never have – from the mundane to the extraordinary, from the everyday to the once in a lifetime. Yes, I fail daily at the “managing blessings” concept, but I am thankful for another day and the chance to try and get it right!
I also found some other great blog posts and devotions and a few things for the kids that go along with this season of Thanksgiving and gratitude. Click the below links and hope you will enjoy them, too.
May you live with the spirit of Thanksgiving in your heart all year and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
A post by our friends at Interior Canvas
Watch this quick video by the always funny and thoughtful Kid President who offers his advice on “20 Things We Should Say More Often” and reminds us to say thank you and not just on Thanksgiving!
Start a new Thanksgiving tradition with your kids and then remember it on New Year’s Day when you prepare the traditional black-eyed peas:
Thanksgiving tradition for the kids
Whitney Wise Long is the co-founder of The Southern C – The Social Network of the South. She has worked with a variety of magazine titles as a scout, stylist and writer focusing on the people, places and things that make up the creative South. Currently, she is mom to four wonderful kids, wife to a fantastic (and patient) husband and owner of one goofy dog.
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Great post and Happy Thanksgiving to you! We are looking forward to checking out the devotional you recommended.