This week of Thanksgiving, I’ll share a condensed version of my gratitude list. I routinely keep a journal of such things, so it’s nice to have a season of formal expression. I hope and pray we never take this special holiday for granted.
- I am thankful for a Father who gives every good and perfect gift. Without God, I do not exist — and He’s never too busy or too tired to give me all the time I need for whatever ails me, or whatever I want to celebrate. He never leaves me or forsakes me. And He keeps every promise.
- Jesus made it possible for me to know my Father. Because of Him, I am not doomed to eternity separated from the One who loves me most, and wants my best. I am allowed a personal, intimate relationship with the King of Kings because of Christ’s decision to die a tortuous death so I could be saved.
- The Holy Spirit teaches me, protects me, and strengthens me. I learn wisdom through His work in my life. He keeps me from walking into foolish situations, or saying the wrong thing. He gives me courage to strike out in places unknown. Without His guidance, I would not be living my dreams.
- Without my family, I am nothing. They define me, they inspire me, they drive me, they are my soft place to land when I have a really tough day. I love you, Ricky, Madison, Ryan, Dakota, and Hailee. I love you mom, Deanne, Michael, Joanne, Genie, and Sheila. I love you Dad, Jessica, and Patrick. I love my in-laws on all sides, and I adore my nieces and nephews. Family makes living worthwhile.
- Friends are the whipped cream on my pumpkin pie. They are the chosen extension of my family. I don’t know what I’d do without friends, and I never want to find out. Because of my bonus relationships, I am not alone. I have people to confide in, to cry with, to laugh with, to celebrate with, and to walk with. They lift me up when I am down, and give me the honor of doing the same for them.
- I appreciate my job, that puts food on the table, allows us to pay our bills, and enables us to do things for fun and refreshment.
- I am grateful for Thanksgiving. And that I live in a time and place where we can focus on our blessings.
I hope you are counting your blessings this Thanksgiving week. We have much to be grateful for, but we can’t see it if we don’t look.
What special people or situations fill you with gratitude? Who or what are you glad you don’t have to live without?
Anita Fresh Faith
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Anita Agers-Brooks is a Business and Inspirational Coach, Certified Personality Trainer, Productivity Specialist, Certified Team Training Facilitator, Marketing Specialist, national speaker, and author of the soon-to-be released book, First Hired, Last Fired — How to Become Irreplaceable in Any Job Market.
She’s a member of the Christian Writer’s Guild, client of WordServe Literary Group, graduate of CLASS for Leaders, Speakers, and Authors, a co-founder of The StoryWriting Studio, and speaker on circuit for Stonecroft International Ministries.
Anita’s passionate about business with integrity, healthy relationships, and issues of identity. She travels the country teaching others from her personal experiences and research. She believes it’s never too late for a fresh start with fresh faith. Anita lives in Missouri with her husband Ricky.
Follow her FreshFaith blog anitabrooks.com. You may contact her via website anitabrooks.com/contact/ or email anita.freshfaith@gmail.com.
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