November is a time when we often pause to count our blessings. But what if thankfulness was more than something we celebrated once a year? What if we learned to recognize God's goodness in the ordinary moments, the difficult seasons, and everything in between?
Thankful. It is a simple word, but one that carries a big impact.
It is so easy to get caught up in everyday worries, responsibilities, and the busyness of life that we forget to stop and be thankful.
Have you ever met someone who always seems to smile? No matter what they are going through, they give thanks to God. They seem to never be sad, angry, or discouraged. I have been blessed to know people like that. People who rarely complain, who always appear strong and content, even when life hands them difficult circumstances. The modern-day versions of Job, perhaps.
If I am honest, I am a little envious of those people. I struggle with showing acceptance and maintaining faith when I am facing challenges. Anxiety and fear can move right in and take over. Sometimes I have to step back, take a breath, and pray for God to intervene.
And that is okay. Faith does not mean we will never struggle. It means we know where to turn when we do.
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (KJV) reminds us:
"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
Notice that Scripture does not tell us to give thanks only when life is going well. It reminds us to give thanks in every circumstance. That does not mean we have to be thankful for every hardship, but that even in difficult times, we can be thankful that God is walking beside us.
God Is There in Every Season
I think back on the different seasons of my life. There have been times filled with joy and blessings, and times when I have faced difficult challenges. But in between those moments have been all the ordinary days, too.
And through them all, God has been there.
I rejoice in His blessings, and I am carried by Him through the darker times. He is there in the ordinary, too. In those moments when I thought I was in control of my own fate, God gently reminded me that His plans will ultimately triumph.
Psalm 100:4 (KJV) says:
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."
Thankfulness begins when we take the time to recognize God's presence and goodness in our lives.
Counting the Blessings, Big and Small
This November, my focus is on thankfulness. Not just the big blessings, but the ordinary ones we sometimes overlook.
Over the past few days, the trees have really begun changing colors. The beautiful shades of gold, orange, and red are a simple reminder of the beauty God places all around us. Sometimes we just need to slow down long enough to notice.
At home, I have been blessed with a hubby who has been by my side for more than 36 years. He has supported my crazy ideas, laughed with me, cried with me, been mad at me, and been scared with me. But through it all, he is still there, every day.
Over this past year, he has literally taken on much of the household responsibilities so I have time to work on my online schooling. (Just a few more weeks!) He supports my little business, hands out business cards, helps set up my tent at craft shows, and patiently puts up with my craft supplies and projects taking over the dining room table. That is love, patience, and support in action!
My family has also been there through thick and thin. My children, parents, siblings, and in-laws are all blessings I am thankful for.
We are blessed with a wonderful church family and pastor. People who accept us as we are, pray for us and our family, and share in our faith. There is something special about having people who walk alongside you, encourage you, and remind you that you are never alone.
At work, I am blessed to spend my days with some truly wonderful people. They are supportive, caring, hardworking, and dedicated. Over this past year, we have worked together to launch our office and get established. Along the way, we have learned to recognize and appreciate the value each person brings. I am truly thankful to be part of that team.
And, of course, my customers!
I love creating things for people and making something that brings a smile to someone's face. Every custom order, every kind comment, and every bit of support means more than you might realize.
I am also thankful for the many small business owners and vendors who create the beautiful decals, glitters, rhinestones, and epoxy that help bring my ideas to life. Their creativity, inspiration, and willingness to support other makers are blessings, too.
There is so much to be thankful for when I take the time to look around.
When We Remember, Gratitude Grows
Psalm 103:2 (KJV) reminds us:
"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."
Sometimes we get so focused on what is missing, what is difficult, or what we wish were different that we forget to recognize what we already have.
God's blessings are not always grand gestures or life-changing events. Sometimes they are found in a beautiful autumn morning, a husband who makes sure the dishes are done, a family member who checks in, a coworker who offers a helping hand, a customer who appreciates something handmade, or a friend who remembers to pray for you.
These are the ordinary moments that make up our lives. And they are blessings worth recognizing.
Colossians 3:17 (KJV) offers another beautiful reminder:
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
What a wonderful way to approach each day. To live, work, love, create, and serve with a thankful heart.
My November Challenge: Look for the Blessings
In all ways and in all things, God is there. Protecting, caring, leading, and loving us through every season.
I know I will still have days when anxiety and worry try to take over. I will still have moments when I struggle to see the bigger picture or accept that things are not going according to my plans. But I want to be more intentional about stopping, praying, and remembering all the ways God has carried me.
I am so very thankful. My cup overflows with blessings.
This November, I invite you to join me in looking a little closer at your own circumstances.
What are the blessings in your life? Not just the big, obvious ones, but the little things that happen every day. The people who stand beside you. The beauty outside your window. The unexpected kindness. The prayers answered and the strength given when you needed it most.
How has God blessed you?
Let's make thankfulness more than a November tradition. Let's make it part of how we live, every day, in every season.
With a grateful heart and many blessings,
Aimee
Aimee's Craft Addiction
Experience the Joy of Handcrafted.
"aimeescraftaddiction.com" (https://aimeescraftaddiction.com)
