With all the disruptions of the year, including loss of loved ones, sometimes we need to dig down deep and realize the many blessings we do have.
The first Thanksgiving came after a difficult time for the Pilgrims. After escaping persecution, the hardships of an ocean crossing, Establishing a new home and eventually sickness, they made time to give thanks for God’s protection and provision.
With all the turmoil in the world today, it’s essential that we take the time to focus on the blessings and not on the curse. I know this is often easier said than done. It’s hard to take your eyes off tragedy and reflect on the areas where you’ve been blessed.
Turning 70 for some might look like something troublesome. For me, the fact I’ve had 45 bonus years after surviving a near fatal explosion is reason enough to be extremely thankful. But, I have to reflect on this when times look hard.
Just as I shared the damage fear, anger, and bitterness can create, acts of thankfulness can add years to your life and facilitate healing.
In the Book of Luke, we read about ten lepers that cried out to Jesus for mercy as He traveled between Samaria and Galilee on His way to Jerusalem. When Jesus saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” As they left, they were cleansed. Only one of them, when he saw he’d been cleansed, returned and praised God with a loud voice. He fell on his face at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. Jesus replied, “Weren’t ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up and go. Your faith has healed you.”
This to me showed complete restoration of this man because of his gratitude. The others may have been cleansed yet still missing fingers, toes, or other evidence of their illness, but this one received complete healing and restoration.
Living a life of gratitude and thanksgiving opens the door for increased vitality and life. Vitamins are important for all the biochemical functions of our bodies. The term vitamin comes from the words vital and amine. These are must-haves for our system to function properly.
When I think of the functional aspects of our body, it’s much like the workings of your car. If you’re missing critical components it won’t work properly. These must be present to function, free of any disease. If everything is present and functional, your driving is the next thing to consider. Your attitude can either cause it to function flawlessly or turn into trash.
As we gather together during this wonderful time of year, consider sitting around the table, and not just saying grace, but each take the time to share what you’re thankful for. It could surprise you to find out that you are someone’s reason to be thankful. We each play an important role in the lives of those around us.
Making a point of giving into the lives of others, even those you may not have ever met can be a great way to express thankfulness. That is something I’ve endeavored to do weekly for the last twenty years with my time dedicated to creating these messages.
The seminar I’m taking this weekend began with an ethics lecture concerning physician overload and burnout. To deal with this and protect the physician and their ability to continue to serve effectively, there was the issue of reducing obligations. That a ten percent reduction in the overload can yield a thirty three percent improvement in stress and overload.
Considering this, I’ve had to seriously look at my life and the burden I’m carrying and decide if it would be a benefit to reduce this communication to only once or twice a month. With this in mind, I do know there are those out there who read my articles and appreciate them. I have no idea how many do read the articles and get something out of them yet never communicate with me as to if they have been helpful.
I do know these articles get forwarded, but to how many I have no clue. This is my way of being a blessing to lives I’ve never had the privilege to meet. I do believe that we all need to sow into other peoples lives every day.
What I write my not fully resonate with your education and experiences. My spiritual and world views also could conflict with yours, but know this. I love you and wish the best for every one of you.