THANKFULL

Memories and traditions handed down through generations seem to come to life at Thanksgiving. Whether it’s the fluttering of red, orange, and brown leaves; the chill in the air; Thanksgiving cooking shows; Grandma’s recipes; and pumpkin spice everything!

In years past, we’d sit around the Thanksgiving table and share stories and experiences. Seems Thanksgiving has been upstaged by Christmas shopping. Stores that open for sale prices only applied during specific hours on Thanksgiving Day. No time for parades. The famous once-a-year meal must be scheduled between football games and store hours.

Maybe it’s just me but – STOP THE MADNESS!

To slow down the holiday, here’s my contribution:

To

“To us a son is given” (Is. 9:6). Our Heavenly Father set the example and offered insightful reminders that it is “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:30). No wonder we feel such joy in giving. This year, maybe that includes giving up shopping for deals on Thanksgiving Day to sit with Grandma or Grandpa and listen to another story.

Happy

“Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help” (Psm. 146:5). Sometimes we forget our help comes from the Lord. And when we remember and praise Him for all He’s done, happiness returns.

Attitude

When you’ve bypassed the Thanksgiving Day sales to linger at the table to talk with family and friends, enjoy an attitude of gratitude. You’ll received far more than any discounted item.

Nice

A while back, I wrote a piece where I included the line: Think twice, speak nice. Until Thanksgiving rolls around again, think about the words you’re about to say. If they’re not nice, rethink those words.

Kindness

Warm-hearted, genuine concern for others comes from a joy-filled heart. Practicing acts of kindness changes the world around you, because it changes you.

Fun

As the saying goes, all work and no play makes your name inserted here a dull person. There are countless reasons to laugh, and some of those set-aside board games on Thanksgiving Day may be one of them. Here’s a reminder from a very wise man: “A merry heart does good, like medicine” (Prov.17:22). This is a great time to take your medicine! 🙂

Undone

When was the last time something took your breath away? Whether it’s the realization of God’s great love for you, the boundless energy of a puppy, or a work of art, drink in that moment of wonder.

Let

Let it go! Baggage is for road trips, cruises, and airplanes. Period.

Light

“It is with a heavy heart. . .” precedes announcements we’d rather not say, read, or hear. Yet, how often do we go through our day with the feeling of a heavy heart? Jesus says “Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). When we share each other’s burdens, it lightens our load.

Thankful only has one “l,” but I think it deserves two. For this holiday, take a few minutes to recognize it’s Thanksgiving Day, and be thankfull for all the Lord has done.

Happy Thanksgiving!

By Amre Cortadino
merryheartink.com

8 thoughts on “THANKFULL”

Nancy says:

November 25, 2019 at 5:46 am

Great read! Happy Thanksgiving my friend! Love you!

Dave says:

November 25, 2019 at 7:01 am

So thankfull am I for this message.

Amre Cortadino says:

November 25, 2019 at 7:30 am

Thank you for posting my article, Linda! I hope your readers enjoy it, and Happy Thanksgiving to all! <3

1. Linda Ray Center says:
  
  December 8, 2019 at 8:40 pm
  
  Dear Amre, Your article touched many, especially me. I can’t wait to read your blog post on your website for December.
  
Jean Matthew Hall says:

November 25, 2019 at 10:48 am

Thank you, Amre. And God’s blessings on you and yours.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Sue Ade says:

November 25, 2019 at 12:07 pm

I definitely agree that holiday shopping has changed my favorite family time. I loved your blog.

Diane Clark says:

November 26, 2019 at 4:37 am

Thank You! It made my day! Will share this with our 6 other friends at Thanksgiving. Such a powerful reminder as it is so easy to lose our way with the pace of life available to us these days. Let’s remember to “Just Say NO!” to all the madness. We do have a CHOICE…

Jean Matthew Hall says:

December 6, 2019 at 2:10 pm

Lovely. And true!

To