Finding Joy and Thanksgiving
by Terri Bonin
This is the month of Thanksgiving. The month when we intentionally gather with our loved ones and voice the many things we are thankful for in our lives.
Thanksgiving unites.
It heals.
It breeds JOY.
Thankfulness is a choice…a decision of the heart.
Thankfulness is an intentional act of the mind. The opposite of a thankful heart is a disgruntled spirit, which leads to a stress headache, furrowed brow (which causes wrinkles), and a heavy heart. NOT CHOOSING thankfulness strangles joy from our souls, and blinds us from seeing our unique blessings.
Unique blessings that tug at us, and hide behind a veil of obligation until THANKFULNESS rips the veil down and reveals the truth.
“Mommy look! Come here, Mommy!”
The little voice breaks into my thoughts and pleads for me to put down my work and follow him outside. My youngest child’s world is full of lizards, frogs, and mud pies, and I am the invited guest. I can default to irritation, because of the interruption, or CHOOSE thankfulness…that leads to JOY for the honored invitation.
I choose Joy. The veil drops.
I am keenly aware that the beauty in my life does not come from the work I accomplish on my computer, the way I decorate, or the things I buy, but from the family, I give myself to on a daily basis. Obligations wear disguises until I breathe, “Thank you,” to the Giver. And joy infuses my soul…A smile creeps on my face and the tot and I take a few minutes to play.
Thanksgiving adjusts perspective.
Slows a person down.
Rejuvenates tired bones.
Let me list the blessings that wear me out, energize me, and cause me to say, “Thank you,” returning JOY to my countenance when I’m wilting.
My daughter, Ella, who has BOUNTIFUL energy~ She keeps me in shape.
My daughter, Halle, who has a quiet strength about her~She calms my soul.
My son, Caden, who views EVERYTHING as a race~ He challenges me to see the world differently.
My son, Samuel’s gentle smile~ He melts my soul.
My daughter, Kate’s quiet way~ She personifies feminine beauty.
My son, Beau’s E N D L E S S questions~ He keeps me looking for answers.
My daughter, Annalise’s servant’s heart~ She inspires me to do for others.
My daughter, Alexis’ DRAMATIC personality~ She adds color to my day.
My son, Grey’s serious thinking~ He gives me hope for the future.
My daughter, Madeleine’s love for ALL people~ She keeps me on my knees.
My son, Ethan’s cheerful point of view~ He makes me laugh.
The father to my blessings, my amazing husband, who works hard to provide for our crew~ He still gives me butterflies.
What are you giving thanks for today?
~Terri
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