A SEASON OF BLESSING
Autumn is a time of harvest, abundance, and to count our blessings. We are entering into the season of Thankfulness. At this time set aside a time for being grateful and to acknowledge all of your blessings. Also know that you are a blessing to so many people! Your words, actions, and presence matter and can profoundly impact people’s lives. We are also blessed to be a blessing to others, and it is so good to give back out of our abundance!
MAKE TIME FOR GRATITUDE
Carve out some time this week to acknowledge and appreciate all of the wonderful things in life that we often take for granted – our relationships; our homes; our jobs; our modern conveniences; being able to communicate with ease to all parts of the world; the gifts of freedom, sight, health and being alive.
Not all places in the world have what we do. If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep … you are richer than 75% of the world’s population. Many times we live oblivious to the tremendous blessings we have and the gift of life itself. Appreciate everything you have.
“When you arise in the morning,
think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive
-to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”
– Marcus Aurelius
Spending time in daily gratitude changes us. Not only does it shift us into a positive mindset and give us more happiness; it also makes us less materialistic, it improves our health, strengthens our ability to deal with adversity, and builds stronger relationships.
“Every day I feel is a blessing from God.
And I consider it a new beginning.”
– Prince
YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE
In your lifetime, you have blessed many people and have known it. You have also blessed many people and may never know the extent of the difference you have made.
As I reconnect with friends from long ago through the various seasons of my life, I am amazed at how many details and specific memories they still have of us from twenty or thirty years ago. They are equally amazed at the memories I have of them. Decades later we are discovering the impact that we made on each other’s lives, both in that moment of time and over the long haul.
“Strange, isn’t it George? Each man’s life touches so many other lives.
When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”
– Clarence the Angel, It’s a Wonderful Life
BE A BLESSING
You never know how much you may bless someone. Kind words or simple actions can
make a profound difference at just the right time. Here are a few simple examples:
A listening ear – I love this saying, “What people need is a good listening to!” When I was going through a difficult season of life, I vividly remember the specific people who took the time to listen with their full attention. I remember and treasure the people who listened from their heart. Deep listening makes a person feel valued, heard, respected, cared for, and it is very healing. The simple gift of time and presence makes a tremendous difference in people’s lives.
“Checking in” – My really good hiking friend Pete, was notorious for being intentional about checking in with his close friends on a regular basis. It made us all feel extremely valued!
A birthday greeting – Who doesn’t like to be acknowledged on their birthday? With Facebook reminders, it’s even easier ☺
An acknowledgement of a job well done – Great employers know that most people value being appreciated in their job even more than a higher paycheck.
Your physical presence – Simply sitting with someone through a difficult time can be meaningful in itself. Sometimes, it’s not about the words, it’s about presence.
A thoughtful gift or a card.
A kind word or encouraging text.
“You never know where a blessing can come from.”
– Teena Marie
SERVE OTHERS
We all have different gifts. Our gifts and talents were not simply meant for us to keep.
They are designed for us to develop and to give away. You are here for a purpose. You have something that only you can give to the world. We are blessed to be a blessing to others. We all are given talents and gifts to use in this world as service to others. How can we bless others? Remember, “From those to whom much is given, much is expected.”
“Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself.
It’s what you do for others.”
– Danny Thomas
“The only ones among you who will be truly happy
are those who will have sought and found how to serve.”
– Albert Schweitzer
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