I’ll be honest, I’m glad that Halloween is over. I’ve never quite understood the fascination with celebrating death and the macabre — spider webs, skeletons, witches, and ghosts. Sure, kids in cute costumes running around gathering candy is harmless, but I find much of Halloween is not. I find the admonition in scripture clear, in Philippians 4:8 NIV, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
So, as we turn into a new season of celebration of Thanksgiving, I think it is the perfect time to reflect on such things — things that we are thankful for. I don’t want the season of Thanksgiving to be overshadowed by Halloween — or even Christmas. This holiday should be given its due reflection and celebration.
So today, I’m beginning a collection of Thankful Thoughts — things that bring me joy, that are right, that are praiseworthy.
Today, I’m thankful for this crazy, wonderful, and frightening adoption journey that we’re on. Oh, I’ll be thankful for the end, to be sure, but I’m particularly thankful that God has called us to something that we could never do on our own. We are completely dependent on His provision, and on the saints who surround us. Without God stretching us, we would never experience His power or His miracles. What an extraordinary journey we are on!
What are you thankful for today?
Where in the World Are Our Kids? 
I once when through a time when I was so depressed I couldn’t even feel God. I asked my pastor at the time what was wrong with me? He replied saying, “Start by being grateful.”
If you’ve ever been in the throes of an all-out depressive episode, this is a hard concept to wrap your mind around. And I was a bit irritated with his reply. But I did my best to consider the possibility that there might be something I could thank God for.
I went to bed that night and thanked God that I had a secure roof over my head, a warm bed in which to sleep and a loving husband next to me. When I got up in the middle of the night to “tweak” the heat, I thanked God we had electricity.
The next morning I awoke and took a shower. I thanked God I had running water. HOT running water. And just as the water cascaded over my head, suddenly did the realization of all that I had to be thankful for. There was no paper that could contain the things in my life that were blessings. Right in front of me. Pouring over my head.
In reflecting back on that time, all I can say right now is that I am grateful for…..everything.
My middle school English teacher went to be with Jesus last week. One of the best things I learned from her was to live my life with an attitude of gratitude. I have so many things to be thankful for. I try to find the positive side to most every situation, so today I’m grateful for cough medicine!
I am thankful for encouraging co-workers and fulfilling work. I am thankful for you and all the other important people in my life who helped me come this far. The Lord has blessed me beyond what I could have ever dreamed.
I’m inspired! Starting on my own journey of thankfulness!