Do you do that on Thanksgiving? Gather? To eat the turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie? I hope you do. Gathering at the table with those you love. And, you can even dig deep and find something nice to say about those who are a little more difficult to love.
Thankful. Grateful. Blessed.
You see that on house decor signs everywhere. It really is a simple prayer. One that is easy to say on Thanksgiving when the food is abundant and your table is full of family and friends. I will be saying that all day on Thanksgiving. It is my year with all the kids and grandkids and I absolutely love it. After being gone for a week, it is especially sweet.
But what about on Friday, when they are all gone and the dishwasher needs to be emptied for the tenth time? When the fall decorations look tired to me and it’s time to do away with fall and transform the house into Christmas? Ugh. I love Christmas, but not the decorating. This year I’ve told myself one tree and the stockings on the mantel. That's it, nothing to stress over. Then I dig in and all the decor is out anyway and I end up doing more.
The whole project starts with discovery. The big question is, how did I put them away last year? Organized? The chances are not good. Last year, I put away the decorations on Christmas Day so we could leave for Orange Beach that night. Stay tuned on that one.
Anyway, my point here is this: be Thankful, Grateful, and Blessed in all things at all times. Not just on the holiday. I truly feel that way everyday. Call it a recovery bonus - because it is. In sobriety, it’s all about gratitude. It’s how you do life everyday now. You don’t need to be in recovery to practice this though. It is simply a wonderful way to live.
On Thursday, I will look around my table and easily say Thankful, Grateful, Blessed, all day long. Then on Friday, when I am knee deep in tinsel and glitter, I’ll say it again (I promise.) When my arms are full with those sweet little boys I love so much - my heart feels like its going to explode -I’ll say it again, Thankful, Grateful Blessed. When Otto has a doctor's appointment and I want to give into fear, I will say it again Thankful, Grateful, Blessed.
I heard a podcast on prayer yesterday and loved this guy's answer when the question was asked, “How many times a day do you pray?” He answered “I have no idea. Prayer is constant conversation with God so I guess the answer is always.” I loved that.
Those three simple words - an easy prayer to keep saying. Constant conversation with one who gives us the manna we need everyday and I’m not just talking about turkey.
Thankful, Grateful, Blessed. Always.
Peace on your gathering,
Sherry