I have a running banter with another teacher I work with. Every day I walk into school, she yells, “How many days…?” Let’s just say she is a little exuberant about a certain holiday coming up. She claims I am a Grinch or Scrooge. I make sure she knows that she is a bit excessive. We are constantly going back and forth. But the other day I got her…

I don’t teach one day a week, so my kids were heading to school on their own. I knew she would be there asking them, “How many days?” So I sent them in ready… Instead of waiting for her question, upon their entrance, they asked her “How many days”? To which she replied the correct number of days until her coveted holiday. We had her! My kids immediately responded…”NO! There are only 10 days until Thanksgiving”.

In today’s hectic world, it can be tough to remember to take a step back and appreciate all the good things that are happening in our lives.

Melissa Ringstaff

My fellow teacher knew I had put my kids up to this. It was a good laugh for everyone involved. In case you are wondering, no I am not a Scrooge. I readily enjoy and anticipate Christmas every year. However, as the beginning of the Christmas season continues to push earlier and earlier, I fear we are losing a great opportunity to celebrate giving thanks. While I know the history of Thanksgiving comes with its baggage, I believe the chance it gives us as a society to slow down, reflect, and be thankful is needed. So what are you thankful for? In case you need a bit of help, check out Melissa Ringstaff’s article “100 Things to Thank God for and Practice Gratitude.” There are some great reminders.

READ THE ARTICLE

What other things can you come up with? Leave them in the comment section below. While my fellow teacher still keeps her countdown to Christmas front and center, she and I both agree there is more need to give thanks than we often admit. So let’s all use the next week to give thanks intentionally. Maybe every morning write a word on the mirror of something you are thankful for. Or each evening as you get home, pause on your way in the door to say something you are thankful for, out loud.

As always be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s day.

Until Next Time…

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