Gratitude and Resilience

It’s that time of year again, when the turkeys gobble around the barnyard trying to look inconspicuous! They talk among themselves and pull in their chests and bellies to be less tempting for those looking for a good meal! Some even try to bark like a dog, as if that would fool anyone!

It’s a time when the fragrances coming from the kitchen are savory and sweet. Two kinds of dressing, baby peas and onions, homemade cranberry sauce, mouth-watering yeast rolls slathered with real butter, a large bowl of fresh greens, and a fresh veggie-and-pickle tray round out the meal. Pumpkin pie with made-from-scratch whipped cream and mincemeat pie with a healthy dollop of vanilla ice cream decorate the side table.

But it’s not only the time of year for turkey dinners. It’s a time to be among family and friends and count our blessings. It’s a time set aside on the calendar for conscious remembrance of what we’re grateful for in our lives.

Although I cherish the special day of gratitude with loved ones, my morning routine includes a nice, hot cup of strong coffee as I make a list of my intentions for the day, as well as a list of at least 10 things for which I’m grateful.

Sometimes my list includes things like being grateful for my ability to be kind even when someone isn’t kind to me, being grateful for the beautiful and majestic trees that surround me, being grateful for special moments with friends, or just being grateful that I’m grateful.

I think we’ve all had times when we’ve struggled with being grateful as challenges occur in our lives. And when we overcome the challenges, we often say a word of thanks for making it to the other side. That’s a time for a high five for resilience!

Our world presents many opportunities to celebrate our resilience. In the wake of the storms in the Southeast and the huge fires in the Northwest, I’ve observed countless acts of kindness and strength in the face of huge losses. We are a resilient species. We get up each day, not really knowing how our lives will manifest. We don’t know what path we’ll be moved to take in light of outside circumstances. Yet we move forward, meeting the challenges and saying words of gratitude.

This Thanksgiving, I will remember all of you, my community, and all of those who have lost so much. I will remember in prayer those who don’t have as much as I have, and I will celebrate our combined resilience. May God bless us all.