photo: © Allyson Kitts | Dreamstime.com

Yes, It’s that time of year.  The start of Christmas shopping?  NO!  Emphatically no!

This is the week we pause, if we have the will, to be thankful.

Thankful.  Grateful.  Appreciative.  Blessed.

To the degree we are truly aware of the fact that we are blessed;

to the degree we make the time to be thankful;

we will find joy.

I love the common greeting that many in the Black community give when asked, “How are you?”

“I am blessed.”

Since I work with many of these people and care for families of others, I am always touched when they give that response.  It makes me stop and think…and wish that were my habitual response.  I am blessed.

It has nothing to do with the amount of money in the bank.  Or my health, even that of my family.

Certainly, it has nothing to do with how many things I have.  Does it truly make a difference if I’m feeling “happy”?  NO!  I’m still blessed!

Why?  Because I’m redeemed!  I am a daughter of the King because of Christ’s accomplishment on the cross.  He reached down to me in grace and mercy.  He changed my heart.  Now I am in Christ.

Of course, He has showered me with many other blessings too.  But that is basic to my life of blessing.

Join me this Thanksgiving week.  Stop.  This is a very busy time of year.

Now is the the time to stop…and give thanks.

I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;
   I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you;
   I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.