In the U.S. with Thanksgiving approaching there is a lot of focus on gratitude.  You may have noticed Espirational quotes on gratitude this month.  While taking time to intentionally be grateful is never a bad thing, I see the ultimate goal as recognizing things to be grateful for and expressing gratitude to not only God but those around us without even realizing we are doing it.

I have to admit I am not there yet but I’m getting better.  I’m learning to say “thank you” for those little things we tend to take for granted like Bob doing the laundry, the cashier at the grocery store being pleasant and giving out big smiles or even neighbors inquiring about Bob’s health.  Sometimes I still have to remind myself how blessed we are to live at the lake.

Do you have a regular routine during November of making a daily gratitude list, putting change in a blessing bank to donate to charity, or writing letters to express your gratitude to people who have had a powerful impact on your life?  Consider continuing these practices throughout the year.  Take time to reflect on what you have to be grateful for.  Let’s make gratitude a part of daily life, not just something to think about during the month of November.