November marks the beginning of what most of us refer to as the “holiday season”, into which fall Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah, and perhaps New Years. We often mark these celebrations with special decorations, sending and receiving greeting cards, gift giving, parties, and family events. In my way of understanding, a posture of gratitude is believed to underpin these holiday goings-on. In this season we can remember good and not-so-good times in years past, and reflect on what good is evident now, while weaving our hopes for the coming new year or season.
In my way of understanding, there is a difference between gratitude and thankfulness. The good Doctor A.I. Internet (sic) suggests that gratitude is a deeper state of appreciation or mindset while thankfulness is a temporary emotional response to a specific event. However, a greater Source than Google cites thankfulness or thanksgiving numerous times without specifically citing gratefulness or gratitude. As a primary example, in I Thessalonians we are directed to “give thanks in all circumstances” (5:18). (For me, personally, I am thankful that it does not say to give thanks for all circumstances).
So, this season, I will begin again my thankfulness journey. I choose to rejoice and be thankful for the many blessings I so often take for granted or am too busy to notice. I am thankful for my cup of morning coffee; the wonder of the red and gold leaves on the trees right now; my cat who peacefully snores as I type this; the anticipation of my grandkids coming over to spend the day; the freedom to talk to God about anything anytime and anywhere; the opportunity to share some of my thankfulness with you . . . and on and on. May we all be challenged and affirmed in our own thankfulness journeys this season. Happy Thanksgiving!