I try to be thankful all the time…even when it’s challenging to do so.

Especially when it’s hard to do so. because that’s when I get down to the serious business of gratitude.  Being thankful for health, family, and the other obvious stuff is good.  I’m not knocking any of those things.  There are many other things we can be grateful for that come off the top of our head when it comes time to share at Thanksgiving (or any other time). But when the going is tough, looking for the good stuff reminds me that there is always something to be thankful for.  Always.

When you only have two vehicles being shared between four adults (living at two different addresses) and one breaks down at the beginning of a holiday week with a busy schedule…it sucks.  I’m reminding myself, however, to be thankful that one is still running and we have a small emergency fund that we’ve been building for the last year that will help out with the expense.

When the grocery store is crazy busy and filled with more than a few cranky people, I am grateful to live near a grocery store that stocks an amazing array of food and that I am able to purchase what I need and a few things that I want.  I am grateful for the ability to smile at those who aren’t smiling and share conversation with others who are in a good mood.

When I’m tempted to worry and complain that all of my home repairs and projects didn’t get done, and that the house isn’t perfect for the holiday, I’m grateful that I have a home.  And grateful that I have the resources to offer hospitality to family and friends.

When suffering one of the worst anxiety attacks I’ve ever had last night, I’m grateful for a husband who sat silently with me until I was able to fall asleep.  I’m also grateful for this apparently random attack (I’m not sure what triggered it) because it signals that stress has been building for a while and I need to take care of myself and be aware of what might be contributing to it. It was a reminder that I haven’t been making the best possible choices for my health, and my body and mind are the worse for it.

And there’s more, but the day’s work is calling…

My hope for you this week is that you might find something to be grateful for…even if your life is not all you’d like it to be right now.  I am grateful that you have chosen to read this post and thankful for your presence on this planet.  All of our lives have meaning and purpose…

and that is something for all of us to be grateful for.

Amen.