Like many, I have tried to spend November focusing on things for which I am thankful. I have tried - not always timely as I'd like - to each day acknowledge at least one of the many blessing in my life.
One of the things that I've discovered is that it is (virtually) impossible to be thankful and NOT be joyful. Have you ever noticed that?
When we spend our time looking at the world around us and thinking about all of the things that we'd like to have, it is easy to get distracted and even sometimes envious of others. It is easy to find oneself sneaking into that "bad" place of greed and wanting more. But really, who of us reading this REALLY needs more? There millions around the world who would give their lives - and many do - for the opportunity to have a roof over their heads, clean water to drink, food to eat, clothes to put on, a blanket to curl up under...the list of the basics goes on and on. And yet we, who live in a place of abundance, think that we don't have enough and that we NEED more. Our culture and our society tells us we do, but do we really?
The focus on our "need" can take us to feelings of inadequacy, insufficiency, and, sometimes, sadness. We wonder why we can't/don't have a bigger house, a newer car, trendier clothes. This focus can really mess with our heads and our hearts.
But when we pause and focus on the innumerable blessings in our lives, give thanks for the gifts that we so often take for granted, joy comes into our hearts. And the more frequent acknowledgement of our thanksgiving, the greater the joy.
How beautiful would it be if each of us lived life in a perpetual state of
joyful thanksgiving?
I have two new goals in my life. 1. Each morning, before I roll out of bed, I will intentionally pause and give thanks. 2. If I ever feel myself start creeping into the "I want/need/"woe is me" mode, that I again pause, and give thanks. I am excited to see what happens to the level of joyful expression in my life! Join me? Let's create an explosion of joy and give the world around us a lift!
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