By Betty Predmore

It is November…..the month we set aside each year for giving thanks. This is the time of year when we are supposed to take inventory of our blessings, to be appreciative of all we have been blessed with.

I am of the personal opinion that every month should be a time of Thanksgiving. Every day we should be taking inventory of the blessings that have been given to us and we should be forever grateful to our Father in Heaven who not only supplies all our needs, but also gives beyond measure.

Speaking for myself, I can say with all sincerity that God is a generous God. I marvel each day at the gifts He has poured out upon me and my family. James 1:17 says “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” I am so thankful for my husband, and my beautiful children, and my extended family. I am thankful for my home, which is a respite from the chaos of life. I am thankful for the laughter and giggles, the hugs and hand-holding, the boisterous conversations, and the quiet whispers. I am thankful the innocence of children and the memories of yesterdays. I am thankful for pets, sports, vacations, and rainy days. I am thankful for friendships and sisterhood, and accountability.

I am thankful for church family, my well-worn bible, and praise music. I am thankful for opportunities to serve, and the ability to put my thoughts on paper. I am thankful for others who work with diligence to serve and honor the Lord. I am thankful for prayers and times to “be still” in His presence. I am filled with gratitude for the Holy Spirit and the fact that He resides in my heart.

Most of all, I am thankful for Jesus Christ. I am so thankful that He took on my sins, though I am so undeserving. I am so appreciative of the blood He shed that day on Calvary, so that I can be forgiven time and time again. I am so grateful for my salvation, and the assuredness that I will spend my eternity is that beautiful forever called Heaven. I am so humbly thankful for His love.

I don’t need the calendar to say “November” in order to feel this gratitude. I don’t need a special day set aside to pronounce my thanks. I enjoy Thanksgiving…the food, the fellowship, the opportunity for service, and the opportunity to express my blessings. But I want to live a life that declares my gratitude to my Lord and Savior each and every day. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 tells me to ” rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I want to wake up each day and say, even on the tough days, “Thank you Lord for this life. Please help me to use it for Your glory!” I want those blessings to always be at the forefront of my mind, so that I never forget all I have to be thankful for. I want to ALWAYS remember to be thankful EVERY DAY!