"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Here in the USA, we have a dedicated day for Thanksgiving, which is meant to remember the founding fathers who came over to America on the Mayflower. We stuff ourselves with Turkey, Ham and the trimmings. We travel to spend time with our family. It's a wonderful holiday!! One of my favorites! It's also a stressful time of year for a lot of people. With Christmas following so close to Thanksgiving, it's also become an unofficial starting pistol shot for the race known as Christmas shopping. We might as well nix the term "Black Friday," because stores are now even open for business on Thanksgiving Day! I find this incredibly sad!! Where I grew up, in Norway, stores still actually CLOSE on designated holidays!! America seems to be open for business 24/7, eager for those cash registers to bulge and jingle, and desperately seeking each swipe at the credit card machines! I used to work in retail, and even though making holiday pay was nice, having to work on the holidays was a dreaded part of the deal. I don't even know if I want to go shopping on Friday, deal or no deal! I know for sure I am not going ANYWHERE tomorrow. I have to draw the line somewhere! I miss the times when Thanksgiving actually meant spending time with the family around the table! I also think it's very important to remember to be thankful EVERY day of the year. I heard on the radio today (KLOVE) that there was a study showing that those people that showed gratitude daily were overall healthier than those that did not. (http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/11/23/456656055/gratitude-is-good-for-the-soul-and-it-helps-the-heart-too). I believe that this is true. As a nurse, I know that those patients that I have encountered that have positive attitudes, and express gratitude, are faster to recover for example. Not to mention, being more pleasant to deal with than the whiners and complainers. I know that even on a day where nothing seems to be going right, and I feel like the whole world is against me, I can find ONE thing to be grateful for. Actually, when I think about it.. I will always have at least 2 things to be grateful for, because Jesus Christ. my Savior, will always be number one! I will not be caught up in the materialism of chasing the best deals. I will remember what is important, My Lord, and My family!
Here in the USA, we have a dedicated day for Thanksgiving, which is meant to remember the founding fathers who came over to America on the Mayflower. We stuff ourselves with Turkey, Ham and the trimmings. We travel to spend time with our family. It's a wonderful holiday!! One of my favorites! It's also a stressful time of year for a lot of people. With Christmas following so close to Thanksgiving, it's also become an unofficial starting pistol shot for the race known as Christmas shopping. We might as well nix the term "Black Friday," because stores are now even open for business on Thanksgiving Day! I find this incredibly sad!! Where I grew up, in Norway, stores still actually CLOSE on designated holidays!! America seems to be open for business 24/7, eager for those cash registers to bulge and jingle, and desperately seeking each swipe at the credit card machines! I used to work in retail, and even though making holiday pay was nice, having to work on the holidays was a dreaded part of the deal. I don't even know if I want to go shopping on Friday, deal or no deal! I know for sure I am not going ANYWHERE tomorrow. I have to draw the line somewhere! I miss the times when Thanksgiving actually meant spending time with the family around the table! I also think it's very important to remember to be thankful EVERY day of the year. I heard on the radio today (KLOVE) that there was a study showing that those people that showed gratitude daily were overall healthier than those that did not. (http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/11/23/456656055/gratitude-is-good-for-the-soul-and-it-helps-the-heart-too). I believe that this is true. As a nurse, I know that those patients that I have encountered that have positive attitudes, and express gratitude, are faster to recover for example. Not to mention, being more pleasant to deal with than the whiners and complainers. I know that even on a day where nothing seems to be going right, and I feel like the whole world is against me, I can find ONE thing to be grateful for. Actually, when I think about it.. I will always have at least 2 things to be grateful for, because Jesus Christ. my Savior, will always be number one! I will not be caught up in the materialism of chasing the best deals. I will remember what is important, My Lord, and My family!
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