November is the month we as a nation set aside time to reflect upon and show gratitude for the people in our lives that mean the most to us. It is also a season for people of faith to give thanks to God for continuing grace and mercy.
In addition to friends, family, and God, many other things are worthy of our appreciation.
Good health, employment, a place to live, and even pets, make our lives better by having them.
There are even more things to consider, especially if the season has you struggling to find balance within the parameters of chaos and order.
Books, music, curiosity, a good laugh, flowers, and simple comforts like a warm blanket, soft pillows, a comfortable bed, and a cup of coffee, all are reasons for gratitude.
It would, of course, be remiss to forget those, in addition to God, who have secured these blessings.
Those in our military who have served and died deserve our continuing thanks. Police officers, firefighters, and a host of other public servants, shepherd over us sacrificially day in and day out.
So, if the shorter days, the colder nights, and weightiness of the year, have all begun to darken your outlook, remember to ruminate on the good that remains.
If you are in a good place but you sense a friend or family member has the blues, a well-written note of encouragement can go a long way to lifting their spirits and tired souls.
Life can be hard in any season, who better than you to know when a person you love needs a little bit of appreciation.
Paul, a first century apostle and evangelist, said to his friends as he was under the most difficult of circumstances himself, “…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.”
My fervent hope this season is that you and I can be the most grateful of people and that we might be encouragers to those who are facing a challenging winter of loss, grief, and loneliness.
Kent Simmons is the pastor of Canyon Community Church in Kingman, AZ.
