Attitude of gratitude

Though Thanksgiving is associated with generous helpings of foodie goodies, I could do with a constant serving of thankfulness. I am particularly reminded during this season to be thankful in all circumstances - to truly cultivate an attitude of gratitude. I find that I am more prone to grumble than to give thanks, even when there is always so much for which to be thankful to God, the giver of every good and perfect gift. I am grateful for time away from work to spend with lovely family, dear friends from up north who stop by for tea and chit chat, the ability to do laundry at my momma-in-law's house for free, tasty groceries via irreplaceable Trader Joe's that never fail to make our stomachs swell with contentment, getting to know a slew of families in our community by executing for them a simple Thanksgiving dinner, thrift shops at which I chance upon the loveliest items at reasonable prices, and annual Disneyland passes that allow us to behold fantastic Fantasmic after calling upon sweet friends and their new baby daughter - and these are all oodles of blessings from just yesterday! But dear God, thank you always for:

• first and foremost, the gospel - that God mercifully sent his son Jesus Christ to save a wretched sinner like me, in order to show me true sacrificial love and the boundless joy in knowing the Lord; the gospel that changed my life forevermore and reveals to me daily how kind the Savior is and how He is therefore deserving of all glory honor and praise;
• my amazing husband who loves the Lord above all else, who is so patient with me and loves me like Christ loves the church, even when I am unlovable (which is rather often);
• my dear church family, who first showed me how Christ can transform lives from the day I met them all in 2004, when I was immediately struck by how warm, welcoming, and joyful everyone seemed in all circumstances, to this day when I have been so blessed by their love for me in the Lord over the years;
• and the fact that Christ is risen and alive today, that He is coming again, and that ultimately, there is always hope in Christ.

We are ever so blessed by our good and gracious God, which I hope I remember at all times with an attitude of gratitude. Hopefully, the chalk drawing I drew above shall help in that regard. Happiest of Thanksgivings, dear laddies and ladies.