There's a line in a Christmas carol that says something about keeping Christmas in our hearts all year long. I have always loved that idea. Which is probably what prompted the idea I had this morning as I was lying in bed, slowing waking up…
What if I kept THANKSGIVING all year long?
For that matter…
What if you, my friend, kept Thanksgiving all year long?
What if people around the world kept Thanksgiving all year long?
I’m not talking about overeating every day – on turkey or something else. I’m talking about the SPIRIT of Thanksgiving. What if you and I kept the SPIRIT of Thanksgiving alive in our hearts AND actions all year long?
Instead of having ONE day a year where we stop and to consciously give thanks for all that we have in our lives (family, friends, opportunities, health and wealth), what if we practiced this conscious gratitude EVERY day?
, what if you & I woke up tomorrow with the same awareness and mindfulness of thankfulness that we have today? What if we consciously treasured the blessings in our lives tomorrow in the same way we are doing today?
What if we chose to share our time and blessings with those we love AS WELL AS those who are less fortunate – as so many people are doing today?
A long time ago, I heard that the word and idea of "holidays" originated with the HOLY DAY celebrations of various religions. "Holy Days" became "holidays". (I don’t know if this is true – but I love the idea of it!)
So what if you and I made EVERY day a "holy day" by recognizing all the gifts and blessings we have received (beginning with the gift of life), giving thanks for them AND sharing our blessings and gifts with others – especially those who are less fortunate?
Can you at least imagine the impact that could have in your life, in the lives of people you meet AND in the lives of people you may never meet?
I know, I know – sometimes it’s easy to think you don’t have “enough” to give – especially if you are experiencing your own challenges and limitations. But imagine the difference it would make if you can face those challenges firmly grounded in and conscious of the all that you have (abundance) instead of constantly focusing on and being driven by your problems, fears, and scarcity?
In St. Paul’s Letter to the Thessalonians, he writes "In all things, give thanks". I've always found that simple line powerful, inspiring and incredibly challenging.
It doesn't say "In good times, give thanks." It doesn't way "In some things, give thanks". And it sure as heck doesn't say "One day a year, give thanks".
So - what do you think, ?
Shall we extend today's "holy day" into a "holy year" or even a "holy life" by CONSCIOUSLY practicing giving thanks and sharing our blessings with others - much like the Pilgrims and Native Americans did on that first Thanksgiving so many years ago?
I'm IN - what about you?