For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, (1 Timothy 4:4 NIV)
I usually don't do a Friday devotion since I meet with my reunion group at 7:30 in the morning, but I wanted to get this out for the first of November, so I am sending it out tonight.
These days, Christmas starts so early. We prepare and celebrate for a good two months. Even Halloween is getting a whole month. But Thanksgiving gets a day.... maybe a long weekend for those with large families. I think gratitude is more important than that, so I am dedicating the month of November to thanksgiving and gratitude. I hope some of you will join me.
My devotions will be from my readings which will include rereading a wonderful book on gratitude called, "One Thousand Gifts," by Ann VosKamp and using the study guide as a private bible study. I will also be reading her blog at aholyexperience.com. Part of the blog is a challenge to list 3 things every day that you are grateful for within a specific category she suggests. There is even an app for that! If you would like the app, search your App Store for 1000 Gifts.
Another thing I am going to do is a 21 Days of Gratitude meditation that you can register for (it's free!) at mentorschannel.com that begins Monday, November 4.
The experts say that a true sense of gratitude can improve your life in many ways, including giving you an improved immune system, sense of well-being and a higher sense of social connectedness. It can help you sleep better, improve your love relationship, lower your blood pressure and helps you cope with loss. Who doesn't want all of that?
I hope you will join me in at least one of these things. If nothing else, keep a gratitude journal for the month of November. You will be surprised at how your outlook changes... even if you are already a generally happy person.
Father,
Help us to be truly and deep-down grateful for every gift that comes from your hand, whether directly or through the hand of another. Amen.
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