Celebrate always, pray constantly, and give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (The Voice)

When I moved and ended up with crates of framed photos in my garage – with no place to go – I realized that I’d developed a habit. Over the past ten years or so, I’d surrounded myself with pictures of people in my life. Mostly two growing up grandchildren. Two extremely photogenic grandchildren. Always ready for their close-up, Mr. DeMille.

As the storms of life raged all around me, my ship kept sinking and the future was filled with dark clouds of doubt – the walls around me filled up with these treasures of thanksgiving. All the eternal blessings of my life – wonderous reminders of what was consistent and true. Those smiles can chase an infinite herd of despair off into the sunset.

Without realizing it, my habit was a survival mechanism. Looking at thankfulness is magic. I highly recommend it. Especially when your Titanic seems to be nearing the beautiful icebergs. We all need a lifeboat at different stages. Gratitude always buoys the soul. Those smiles all over my walls were and are an eternal antibiotic, chasing away the virus of doom and gloom. [I’m on week 7 of bronchitis, can you tell?]

“Focus on an ocean of positives, not a puddle of negatives.” – Kevin Ansbro

Recent surveys report that an average of 78% of Americans feel a strong sense of gratitude at least once a week. Can you believe that? Education and income levels don’t seem to effect this very high level of thankfulness. All across the spectrum, our society feels grateful. The one difference is between men and women. Which sex do you think has the higher gratitude number?

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” – Cicero

What about working your way around the table this year and asking each person to “go public” with something they are thankful about? It’s a wonderful model for children to watch happen. An important way for them to participate and help create the “giving” of thanks this year.

“Focus on the ocean of positives, not a puddle of negatives.” – Kevin Ansbro

For what it’s worth, my advice about being thankful has evolved into these three practices – for now:

1. Even in the middle of the storms – look for the handles to hold on to. These are everything we can give thanks about. Hang on and know that all is not lost. Advanced medical care, friends at our side, health insurance, your spouse, technology that allows connections, access to so much wisdom, air conditioning, freedom to make choices… Always be thankful – out loud.
2. There’s an old hymn urging us to count our blessings. Even when the bottom sometimes feels like it’s falling out, we are surrounded by blessings. Literally counting, making a list, will change your perspective and get your thinking back on track. Someone was sharing last week about a family member with pregnancy risks. They were flying to another state be with her. In the middle of all that worry and strain – what a blessing to be able to race to her side. For her to have family who loved her so dearly…Keep on counting – your blessings will outweigh your list of worries.
3. Be sure that you are expressing your thankfulness to others. Don’t take people for granted. Don’t assume. Say something out loud. Express your appreciation – send a note, make a phone call, even a text is better than nothing. Don’t wait and forget. Learning to express thankfulness is a practice. It’s a routine. A habit worth your attention because it not only changes you into a better person, your thankfulness has profound effects on the lives of others. Effects that you will probably never fully understand…Get in the habit of saying thank you in tangible ways. It’s always worth the extra effort. 

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” ― William Arthur Ward

My Thanksgiving celebration is new this year. Cobbled together into a series of gratitude experiences. I only made three flops for the feast. I’m improving! What about making Thanksgiving a new year’s resolution experience of sorts? What can you start doing different? How can thankfulness polish your life up to shine even brighter? Starting this week, who needs to hear from you?