November seems so short. Perhaps its because of all that we try to fit into this month. Preparation for the winter is hurriedly finished during this time. Raking leaves, putting the garden to sleep (you might have plants to bring in or planters to cover or empty), for us in the north getting the snow equipment in a handy location. It is the month of reality. We begin the month with elections. Then the realization sinks in that fall is over and winter is settling in. We are reminded that Christmas is almost here. Many stores seem to have Christmas decorations up before the end of Oct. Many will be planning for family get togethers for the Thanksgiving holiday. November also seems shorter because the days seem shorter. Obviously we still have 24 hours. But we have more darkness and less light in each 24 hours. And now we have the added wonder of ‘Black Friday’. How much do you try to get done this month?
We flood our time with a river of activity and get swept away. And we forget thanksgiving. We aren’t talking about the actual holiday of Thanksgiving but the lifestyle of Thanksgiving. Living thankfully creates an atmosphere of honor. And honor is life giving. In the atmosphere of thankfulness good character blooms and grows. When we are thankful to those who have blessed our lives it builds relationships that continue to grow and be life giving. Thanksgiving brings us into the very courts of heaven. We are told to enter His courts with praise and thanksgiving. Sometimes it is a sacrifice to be thankful. Circumstances can sometimes be downright depressing. In the midst of those circumstances we can still stand tall and be thankful. It is in those times more than others that good character is grown. What can you do to get back to a life style of thankfulness instead of being swept away by the list of wants that we feel can be satisfied by ‘Black Friday’?