Yes, we are nearing the end of 2020. A year of unknowns, a worldwide pandemic, severe fires, hurricanes, and earthquakes; political and racial tension in our country we have not witnessed in years. Today we look ahead to November and our day of Thanksgiving. The day we traditionally celebrate because “In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states.”* That being said, we have come so far in our thoughts, ideas and attitudes: Diversity, challenges, sadness, anger and loss of hope.
Thanksgiving — why celebrate? Families being separated, the great losses of this year, and the unrest all around…YES, we DO Celebrate because…“because we KNOW THAT the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead WILL ALSO raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we ARE BEING renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:14-16)
What benefit you may ask? My Thanksgiving this year will reflect on the:
Isolation in March, the growth of discovering who I am and who God is making me to be. The continued “physical distancing” as I learned to be flexible, to keep life moving forward and to count my blessings each day. In August, I cared for my mom as she was down with COVID; my dad was in the hospital, my family ZOOMED each evening with laughter and memories of when health was taken for granted. We grew closer, valued our time and sought to keep our faith in God through prayer for each other and others we heard were suffering. In September, I received the news my son, a wild land firefighter, was on a fire in Oregon. Yes, many would say, one thing after another. But I am reminded, of the statement “grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.” My parents (80’s) survived COVID; my son, saved structures from burning as he was on structure protection, and I have not had one COVID symptom. God’s grace! To HIM be the glory!
What comes to mind for you in this season of Thanksgiving? How are you responding to the unknowns of today? This is certainly a season we do not have control over; we cannot change what is happening, and we are faced with the decision every day of “inwardly being renewed day by day.”
How do we do choose to be renewed day by day?
May I suggest a few ideas:
- Each morning when you wake, thank God you are alive.
- Take one step to care for yourself.
- Determine to think of one thing to make someone else’s day better!
- At the end of the day, thank God for the day.
How do you do this?
A few things to try:
- Take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Feel the day’s new air come in, and as you breathe out, prepare your mind for a good day.
- Fix a favorite meal; take a walk or a scenic drive.
- Enjoy the beauty of creation.
- Enjoy a craft or a hobby for a portion of the day.
- Reach out; what can you do to make another feel thought of, cared for, loved?
- Send a card with a handwritten note.
- Call a shut-in.
- Take homemade cookies or a meal to a family member or friend.
- Make a difference for another person and it will bring a smile to your face too!
- Thank God for the day.
Finding HOPE through Transition is all around us. Actively and consciously “renew our mind day by day” giving God the glory. Yes, we can be world changers in our circle of influence. How will you share grace today, giving God the Glory?
Would you like more information about “renewing your mind day by day” or how to find a way to become “unstuck” in living as a grace reacher to others? I invite you to browse my website at https://katynelsoncoaching.net or connect with me at katy@katynelsoncoaching.net to schedule a complimentary conversation. I would enjoy hearing from you!
In this season of Thanksgiving, I close with a personal note of Gratitude to each of you! Thank you for reading my blogs, being a part of KatyNelsonCoaching as a reader, an encourager, and supporter. YOU are the life of KatyNelsonCoaching.net, LLC.
Blessings to you this Thanksgiving,
Katy Nelson, CPLC, ACC, GMC, DISC Facilitator
* https://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving