An Attitude of Gratitude

All of my normal Thanksgiving preparations are done. It was easy to go through the motions and finish everything, but it all feels so, so wrong.

This is a hard Thanksgiving, not only because we lost Steve, but we also lost my dad (my last parent) just 3 months earlier. This is my first holiday without, not only ANY of my parents, but also my husband. I’m so thankful that I still have my brother and sister-in-law close by, but it still just feels off.

Here’s the deal though. I can sit here and feel sorry for myself, or I can CHOOSE to have an attitude of gratitude. I know that sounds cliche’ish, but there’s truth to this. Thankfulness is a choice. Everyone has crap they’re dealing with, mine just might look different than yours. None of it is fun and a lot of it is heart wrenching and lonely, but there is always something to be thankful for. Always.

I am thankful that I got to have Steve in my life for 22 years.
I am thankful for our beautiful children.
I am thankful that I have my brother close by.
I am thankful for Steve’s family.
I am thankful that I have a roof over my head.
I am thankful that I have cars to drive.
I am thankful that I have gas in my tank.
I am thankful I have food in my belly.
I am thankful that I have clean water to drink.
I am thankful that I am healthy.
I am thankful that I can worship my Jesus whenever and wherever I want.

Yes, we are going through a really hard time right now, but just look at that list! I haven’t even scratched the surface of all the things I have to be thankful for. An amazing church family, friends, extended family...those are just a few more!

Tomorrow, if the loneliness, anger, bitterness and pity try to settle in your heart, just take a second to SPEAK OUT LOUD what you are thankful for. Take the time to remind yourself that, even in hard times, you are truly blessed.