Happy Thanksgiving | The Practice of Daily Thankfulness

We were sitting at their table doing a pre-marital counseling session. I remember so distinctly what he said when I asked the question, ‘How do you keep a healthy marriage when it will inevitably get hard as life brings its challenges?’ He looked at me and said with the utmost confidence, ‘Mary, practicing regular thankfulness covers a multitude of grievances. It keeps our eyes on the right things.’ 

I’ll never forget that advice from our premarital counselors because it caused me to stop and think. How true it was, not just for marriage but for all things in life. Practicing regular thankfulness makes even the most challenging things less overwhelming. It changes our perspective. It takes our eyes off of the things we don’t have, the circumstances we wish were different and the things we just simply cannot change. Instead, thankfulness places our sights on the many blessings we have and changes the tune of our hearts. I made a promise to myself right there, that in my marriage and really in life, I would do my best to practice regular thankfulness for all that God has blessed me with. So, on this day of designated thanksgiving, here are a few things I am personally grateful for…in no particular order.

1. Friendship- Oh, the sweet friends that I have who are constant in walking with me through life. I will never be able to adequately thank them for being by my side in the good and bad.
2. Laughter- I laughed pretty hard yesterday at something my husband did and it made me grateful for those belly kind of laughs that take over your whole body and leave you feeling refreshed. It’s simple but it’s vital.
3. Coffee- Can I get an Amen?! I used to be a hater but I came to see the light. Oh, how I am so thankful for this gift from God. It’s good. I look forward to it each day. It wakes me up and well, I just like it.
4. A business that both challenges me and brings me joy- This is not always a given as sometimes my business can cause me to doubt and feel inadequate but really, I’m thankful for that too because it keeps me from getting too comfortable. I just celebrated 4 years of MFP and that astounds me. I’m thankful for the places it has taken me, the lives it has brought me in touch with and the innumerable ways this journey has stretched me.
5. Nephews- Internet, I’m sure you are tired of seeing pics of me and my nephews. I’d love to say it will stop but let’s be real. It won’t. Being Aunt Mae Mae is my absolute favorite and I think my four nephews are just the greatest.
6. Chocolate- It may seem trivial but I do believe God gives us things we enjoy simply for the enjoyment of it. Chocolate definitely fits in this category and so I am thankful for it. Go ahead and judge me. I can take it.
7. Autumn- We don’t get much of it here in Dallas but it is without a doubt my favorite season. I love the crispness of the air, the brightness of the sun, the fact that you can wear shorts or pants and be comfortable and of course the way the leaves change into incredible hues. As Anne Shirley says, ‘I’m so glad I live in world where there are Octobers.’ Couldn’t agree more, Anne.
8. Family- This year is particularly special because my family grew significantly when I changed my last name and embraced a whole new party of people. I have always loved family and this year it has only gotten sweeter. All of them are a gift and they teach me about Christ in ways they don’t even know.
9. Travel- I feel like I have lived out of a suitcase quite a bit over the last few years and especially the last couple of months. It can get tiring but I am grateful that God allows me opportunities to see His creation, to broaden my view of culture and people and to let me experience Him in new ways. It’s a gift.
10. Marriage- This is maybe my favorite for 2015. I got married almost 8 months ago and they have been some of the sweetest months of my life. I love my husband more with each passing day and our marriage shows me  Christ in ways I didn’t know were possible. Being married to him has made me softer, stronger, healthier and more like Jesus. I am so thankful for all of this and most importantly for him!
11. Salvation- Ok, so maybe there is somewhat of an order. I conclude on this because to be honest, none of the above would have meaning without this one. In a world that is constantly bombarded with bad news of wicked acts, disregard for humanity and senseless murder, I am so thankful for hope. Hope in something that is eternal. Someone. The hope that through Jesus Christ, this is not the end. My hope is an eternal home where there is no sorrow, no tears, no mourning and no hate. There is only the glory of dwelling with God forever. That is the best news I will ever hear and ultimately the thing I am most grateful for on this day of Thanksgiving.

So, I hope today you will make your own list but even more, I hope that this will not simply be an annual occurrence but instead, that you and I both would practice regular thankfulness. It is so very important.

Happy Thanksgiving!