Welcome to November, the month that elicits gratitude. Thankfulness unlocks a sense of joy, a sense of satisfaction, and contentment. Gratitude lifts us above the circumstances of our lives. I want joy. I want contentment. I want to find a way to navigate my chaotic world. I’m confident you want these as well.
I offer a down-to-earth experiment in thankfulness. Grab a pen or open “Notes” on your device.
I encourage you to take time each day this month, time to pause in gratitude. Write it down. I began this practice several years ago. I built a list of things for which I am thankful. My list has grown, and I add to it each time I review it, which is frequently. I am up to 110 items on my list.
As I read through my list, it includes many, many names of people in my life. I feel surrounded by family and friends. I am by nature a “pack animal” and find myself profoundly grateful for this rich, relational environment. One of my entries reads “friends, friends, friends, friends, friends.” Contentment. C’mon! You want that, too!
Sports show up in many ways. I’m grateful for golf, though not great at it. I’m grateful that I was a pretty fast marathoner. I loved growing up in the salt water, a St. Augustine surfer. I’m in the gym about 5 mornings per week. I’m even grateful for the weights!
Kathy and I love the western North Carolina mountains – Boone, Blowing Rock, Cashiers. I am deeply grateful for great times with family and friends at Thanksgiving in the mountains.
My job!!! Wow!!! I am so grateful for the privilege of serving as one of the leaders of a vital church family. Because of God and God’s people, my life is transformed and continues in transformation.
I’m grateful for Goose, the jam band.
I’m thankful for the Greek New Testament, for the pursuit of God’s truth in Scripture, for the brilliant New Testament scholar N. T. Wright.
I am grateful for having been rescued from my messes!
My list is not meant to be an ordered list that begins with my “most thankful.” It’s a free-flowing list, yet Jesus appears early, and forgiveness follows closely. He’s at the top. God gives me life. Thankfulness is my best response. Joy!
The list really helps to spark my gratitude. Make a list for yourself! Thankful!!!
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