Welcome to November! It’s one of my favorite months because it contains my favorite holiday. But as my thoughts turn to giving thanks, I’m mindful of those with much less. Of those who live on $2 a day to feed their family. Of those who share one room or two with a family of eight. Of those unseen people who don’t have adequate shelter, food, clean water and warm clothing.
I try to not feel guilty when I return home from developing countries where I’ve served. I try to not make other people feel guilty about the overwhelming amount of stuff we have. I know that having stuff isn’t bad in itself, but in how we use it. I know this in my head. And I love my creature comforts as much as the next person. I love returning home to my bed, my recliner, my bathroom. I’ve learned through the years to be thankful for them.
We do have much. I’m reminded of the cornucopia, better known as The Horn of Plenty. It is a hollow horn-shaped container filled with the abundance of something like fruit, coins, flowers, grain, nuts, or any other desirable things.
It is an ancient symbol of boundless abundance.
I could show you a picture of my closet which overfloweth with shoes, bags, jackets, etc. I won’t show you mainly because it’s ridiculous and embarrassing. I’m not to the hoarding stage yet, but I have plenty. Enough shoes and clothes to last me until Jesus comes. I have a feeling, you have something you have an abundance of as well.
Being guilty about having plenty isn’t the answer. What is? What should we do about having so much stuff? How do you share your abundance? I’d love to know. I could make a list of some of the best ideas you have and share them later this month. Thank you!
A Good Song. I was just introduced to this fun song this week on one of my writer’s playlists. Zach Winter sings “Give Thanks.” “Watch the world change colors when you give thanks”. Give Thanks
Another Good Song. This one you probably know, “Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart.”
And now let the weak say, “I am strong”. Let the poor say, “I am rich. Because of what the Lord has done for us” Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart
A Good Book. Ann Voscamp says in her bestselling book, One Thousand Gifts,
“It's only in the expression of gratitude for the life we already have, we discover the life we've always wanted…a life we can take, give thanks for, and break for others.”
If you don’t own this book, treat yourself this season. One Thousand Gifts
A Final Word
I have a challenge for us. This month, take time each day to write down three things you are thankful for — people, items you own, experiences you’ve had — whatever you want. Jot them down in a journal or on the notes app on your phone. Then pray and thank God who gives such abundant gifts. By the end of the month, you will have so many things you are thankful for. It’s always good to have a list like that available to be reminded whenever you have challenging, hard days. I’m thankful/grateful today for my husband, my home, my church. What’s on your list today?
I feel funny writing down ways I give, bc then people will know. I don't want people to know the secret squirrel stuff 😉 ❤️