100th Day of Thanksgiving!

When my kids were in kindergarten, they always had a big celebration on the 100^th day of school…program, party, crafts, snacks.  It was the highlight of the year.  That concept has always intrigued me.  So today I am wanting to celebrate my 100^th day of thanksgiving with a special blog. 

When I started this project, I had been struggling with some depression.  I wanted to focus on positive things and recognize all the blessings that I have and to truly be thankful for those things.  This journey has been very successful!  My attitude has been so different these past 100 days.  I catch myself spending a large part of everyday looking for good things for which to give thanks.  It is one of the first things on my mind each morning and one of the last each night.  I look at the world through new eyes each day.  I may still get upset by things at times, but I don’t stay down…I’m too busy looking for things in which to rejoice.  It is a simple idea, one that the Bible is filled with, but I have failed so many times in the past to put it into practice in my life.

I’ve tried to “balance” my list between every area of my life.  One day I may post about something to do with my physical wellbeing or the wellbeing of loved ones.  The next day may be focused on a modern convenience or condition of society for which I am thankful.  So the next day I would look at a spiritual blessing or a relationship for which I’m thankful.  I want my thankfulness to be “well rounded,” incorporating each part of my life.  Some days it seem trivial; other days, deep.  I want to experience the fullness of joy that comes from being thankful for everything in life!

I want to thank those of you who have encouraged me along the way with your comments.  This project was primarily for my benefit…to teach me to be more thankful and more joyous.  But my secondary purpose was to hopefully encourage others to do the same.  I believe we all can use a little more joy in our lives, and I don’t think we can ever be too thankful!  I’m glad that some of you feel the same and have been inspired by this little project to focus more on the blessings in your life.  Your feedback has touched my heart and made the journey a little brighter.

So today, Day 100 of our little thanksgiving adventure, I am thankful for the changes that I’ve experienced in my life through this process.  We all have our challenges in life, our burdens to bear.  I’m thankful that by focusing more on my blessings that those challenges and burdens don’t have to drag me down.  I can still have joy in my life every single day.  THAT is worthy of thanksgiving!  I look forward to the next 265 days!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice evermore.