Thanksgiving is a beautiful season of harvest, of plenty, of gathering in the warmth of family during colder, darker days. Though highlighted in late November, giving thanks is a humble act that beautifies our lives any day of the year. In difficult times this act is harder, yet more necessary than ever.
You may be floating on the tail of a wonderful year, excited to celebrate the holidays. Or you may be struggling with recent losses or current difficulties that threaten to overshadow holiday celebrations. Whatever the case, may we look for the things that brighten our lives with goodness, however small. Giving thanks turns our eyes and hearts upwards.
This has been a difficult year for our family. Yet we can rejoice.
Here are 20 snippets of beauty and goodness for which I give thanks:
1. Sunshine brightening a cold day
2. Intricate details on a fall leaf splashed with color
3. Brilliant sunsets
4. Unexpected beauty from the garden
5. The quietness of morning before the house is awake
6. A child asking for another Bible story at breakfast
7. Two smooth mornings in a row—getting out the door on time, unrushed and happy
8. Time alone in the serenity of a coffee shop
9. Simple arrangements that add beauty to the home and bring joy to the heart
10. The sounds of mirth from our little girl’s afternoon “silly time with daddy”
11. Heartfelt, handwritten letters whose appreciation and encouragement reach deep into the soul
12. Surprise packages brimming with charming gifts
13. Memories of baby Portia are wrapped in pleasantness in spite of our bitter loss
14. Hope
15. Cozy lights in the dark
16. Reminders of truth that settle our fears
17. Knowing God’s “mercies are new every morning,” even after a day of bad attitudes, ugly interactions, and parenting failures
18. The warmth of belonging to my family, even when we’re scattered across states
19. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
20. “For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:9
In this season, these are things that call my heart toward thanksgiving. What about you?
On Turning 40, Childless
What a wonderful way to start my day. Your pictures are beautiful and your thoughts bring me back to what is truly important. Thanks!!