Thanksgiving

 “There is she that scatters and yet increases, and there is she that withholds more than is meet, but it tends to poverty. Proverbs 11:24-26 NLT

I can’t think of anything that makes a person feel better faster than sharing. When you share, you receive as much as the recipient, whether it’s sharing your time, talent, money, or other personal effects. On the other hand, when self-absorbed, the mind focuses on what’s missing in life. An adage says that “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop” and, if not addressed, can lead to despair, jealousy, selfishness, apathy, and feelings of hopelessness. None of these are good for our health and well-being.

We’re in the season of Thanksgiving! It is a blessing to share the resources God has given us, including financial and spiritual. Be generous in patience and understanding. Give someone the benefit of the doubt and try to see the situation from their viewpoint. Like the lyrics from “The Rose” says, “It’s the one who won’t be taking that cannot seem to give.”

During this Thanksgiving season, do something that honors this special time. Show your mother or that special aunt how much she means to you.  Speak words of life to the Barista, the cashier at the grocery store, or the nurse working overtime at the hospital. Sometimes, we are hardest on ourselves, so speak kindly to yourself like you would to a friend.

While we enjoy Thanksgiving fellowship and a hearty meal, keep the concerns of the poor close to your hearts. Many people in our communities are experiencing feelings of sadness and hopelessness that may not be visible from their outward appearance. Remember the words once said by Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Every day is a day of Thanksgiving. Remember to scatter warm feelings from the heart as often as possible, and those feelings will return to you.

“But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God” (Psalm 50:23, NLT).

Interested in reading more of my writings: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1732039615