1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.

Gratitude Day 965

During my quiet time yesterday, my heart became sad. It’s difficult for me to wrap my head around the real possibility that 46 million American people may not have access to needed food starting today. I’m saddened that this country struggles to support people who need something as basic as food. Those in this country should have access to food to eat, right?

Late Friday, federal courts indicated that reserve funds for SNAP should be used. When SNAP benefits become available, it will take time for people to access them. Rarely does SNAP fully fund a family’s food needs. Food insecurity is a real problem in America. Taking care of those in need should be part of our moral and ethical responsibility, right?

I know this topic is challenging and difficult. Yet, there is a lesson here.  

Thursday night, I attended the annual meeting for the community food pantry that I serve on. This meeting had been scheduled for months. Nonetheless, a main conversation topic was whether SNAP benefits would be available and how our little food pantry will respond.

Food pantry usage has been up since August. We anticipate more usage in November and December. Thankfully, this food pantry is very blessed and has reserves. After discussion and remembering the guidelines established years ago for the food pantry, the board agreed: we will turn no one away. Food will be given to everyone who needs it. That’s the purpose of this food pantry and we will continue to fulfill this mission.

How will Hubby Rick and I respond to a need for food? Thankfully, we are in a position where we can help. And will. For those of us who have resources available, Iet’s prayerfully determine how we might best use those resources to shore up those who don’t have enough. Even a little bit can make a huge difference. When we each give our little bits, suddenly, there’s quite a bit that makes a huge impact.

There are so many people who are affected adversely for multiple reasons right now. As my heart became discouraged, I made a prayer list of these things that are troubling me.

And then I stopped. And remembered.

November is the month of Thanksgiving. A day when we pause and celebrate all the blessings in our lives. An opportunity to express gratitude for all that we have. How our needs and so many of our wants have been taken care of. Yes, we need to be mindful of how we can be God’s hands and feet in this time when others are struggling. Yet, this is also a moment for us to embrace gratitude.

Gratitude. Seriously? Yes.

When I look back at the most challenging times in my life, embracing an attitude of gratitude in tandem with the struggles helped me discover that life can be OK even in the midst of hurt. Expressing gratitude has been one of the saving graces of helping me navigate grief and suffering. When I regularly embrace the smallest blessings of my life, I remember God is with me. I am not alone. I can hold gratitude in tandem with suffering. Gratitude often becomes a catalyst for moving beyond hurt. I can hold two truths at the same time: I can express gratitude while also feeling disappointment.

To help us embrace gratitude, I’ve put together a Month of Gratitude ideas. Each day, pick one of these prompts and complete it. You can follow day-by-day. Or simply pick any idea for the day, complete it and check it off. Pay attention and see how a regular and consistent practice of gratitude affects your daily life. Does it change anything? If so, what? Does expressing and living gratitude change how you go about your daily life?

Even when life feels a bit challenging, we are encouraged to:

Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.

When we embrace gratitude, we may discover some special ways God calls us to act. Look for these opportunities. Embrace them. You might be amazed where you find God. May we all embrace an attitude of gratitude the month of November.

Blessings –

Dianne

Lord God – Thank you for blessing me in so many ways; ways I often fail to recognize and appreciate. Place it upon my heart the desire to seek and express gratitude for the next 30 days. Soften my heart to be open to how You are leading me right now. Amen.

Looking for a bit of daily inspiration? Check out my daily affirmation posts on Facebook and Instagram (Dianne Deaton Vielhuber and Simple Words of Faith.)

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