How do we practice thanksgiving?
No, I am not talking about learning to deep-frying a turkey or new ways to make gravy. Practicing thanksgiving is not about getting ready to watch more football. Practicing thanksgiving is not limited to one day in November, or October.
Thanksgiving is how we respond to all the blessings of this life.
For some of us, giving thanks is something we do inside ourselves. We may sit quietly, remembering people and experiences that have shaped our lives. Thanksgiving may be our attitude of gratitude.
For others, thanksgiving may be more about what we do, how we act. Some of us spend time each week, not only in November, by feeding hungry people. They are grateful to have food, and show their gratitude by helping people who do not. They are not really more kind than the rest of us, they practice their thankfulness.
Some of us demonstrate thanksgiving no matter how we feel at the moment.
My own thanksgiving, and lack of thanksgiving, has taught me deep lessons. It is easy for me to forget how thankful I would like to be. I am more grateful when I pause to take a breath and remember.
Fear can make it more challenging for us to give thanks.
When we are afraid, we tend to hold onto what we have, or think we need more. We like to believe our possessions and wealth keep us safe. When we are discouraged, or despairing, we do not feel very thankful.
My own practice of thanksgiving grows stronger when I pay more attention to the blessings. Life may become filled with distractions when I see things as obstacles, not lessons.
How are you practicing thanksgiving this year?
What are the distractions to your own practice of thanksgiving?
[Image by jennie-o]
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