Prepare Your Heart for Thanksgiving!
The Thanksgiving holiday is less than two weeks away, and I’m excited about being with family, eating a bronzed turkey, and enjoying all sorts of goodies.I love the autumn colors, the rain and winds and dark days, but it’s well-known that unrelenting drizzle can seriously affect many people who live in Oregon, or similar climates.But there’s something else that can negatively affect us at this time of the year: It’s focusing on what makes you sad or disappointed rather than thankful.If you’re struggling with depressing thoughts as the holiday season begins, let me encourage you to get a notebook, journal, or even the back of a nearby envelope and write down the following:
LIST the nicest things people have ever done for you. Include however many people you want.
What FEELINGS did you have when this happened? Try and use several descriptive words.
What THOUGHTS, REFLECTIONS, or MEMORIES did their kindness stir up?
When the apostle Paul finished his letter to the Romans, he remembered and recorded what people did for him. His long list flowed from a heart spilling over with thankfulness and his example especially fits this season of the year (Romans 16).Want to show your gratitude to others, and to God, for caring about you? Here are three ways you can:
Start a list of people you thank God for. Add to it each day until Thanksgiving (for those readers outside the US, make your list until November 28).
Use your growing list to pray and thank God for their part in your life.
Buy some meaningful Christmas cards and write them a note between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
If you do these three things, I guarantee you’ll find your heart and mind flooded with warm, thankful memories throughout the holiday season.
Let's Talk: What have you found that helps your mood or emotions at the holiday season? I’d love to know.
Blessings,
Poppy