SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS

Remember the song the 12 Days of Christmas? why not celebrate the 12 Days of Thanksgiving? (Thanksgiving is twelve days from today!)

As we are most likely aware, there is much good to gratitude.

The practice of gratitude with conscious intent can be thankful, loving prayer to God.

Many studies also tell us expressing gratitude and having a positive appreciative attitude are pathways to greater health, performance, a higher sense of well-being, and even, a faster rate of recovery from surgery and illness.1

But while we may acknowledge gratitude’s many benefits, for some, it still can be difficult to be steadfast.

So many of us are inclined to notice what is negative, incomplete, delayed, or lacking in our lives.

For gratitude to make the most difference in our and in others’ lives, we would do well to adopt a new way of looking at things, a new habit.

That’s why practicing gratitude makes so much sense.

When we practice giving thanks for all we have, instead of complaining about what we lack, we begin to see all of life as an opportunity and a blessing. 2

It is good to consider that gratitude isn’t about being blind and uninformed and putting our heads in the sand.

Not-so-great things happen in this world. But when we put our attention on the gifts of life, we rise up out of the negative and fill our minds, hearts, and souls with positivity which inspires a clearer perspective and enthusiasm to take action.

Gratitude acknowledges many big and small things as well as “from whence all blessings flow.”

Some are the Glory and Works of God, colorful fall leaves, bodies that work, friends who support us, books to read, our health, and having hot and cold running water and heat and air. And then there’s chocolate with something salty. (Kidding, sort of, LOL)

In the spirit of thanks-giving, and building a practice of gratitude, during the next twelve days, you will receive – activities, inspirational pins and journal prompts

If you choose, you may share these with your family and friends in celebration of thanks-giving.

May we “cheerfully” give thanks not only on these days, but every day for the lessons, challenges, and gifts from God.

1,2 Clarie Communications