When I left for college, my visionary mother sent me with a Gratitude Journal. For years I wrote faithfully–listing each night 5 blessings that had touched me that day.  At 18, I didn’t understand how crucial that act of thankfulness was to developing my faith, but having to end some of the worst days of my life by being grateful taught me to see outside the pain of the moment.  It showed me that not only was God’s hand present in my trials, but perhaps was even more present in those moments when I felt most alone or worried or lost.

Sadly, I’ve gotten out of the habit of journaling my gratitude (although now I could do it online).  But I thought this month would be an appropriate time to reawaken some of my Thanksgiving spirit.  I’m listing a gratefulness-a-day for November.

I didn’t think to take any pictures!

Nov 1–Sunday

• A responsibility-free day to rest and recuperate.

Nov 2–Monday

• The gift of laughter (and new episodes of The Big Bang Theory)!

Nov 3–Tuesday

• My grade-level team who so sweetly dropped everything to help pull together my sub plans when I didn’t feel like driving to school at 3:30 in the morning.

Nov 4–Wednesday

• Chance meetings with old friends.

Nov 5–Thursday

• Glorious autumn: golden leaves, mild temperatures, brilliant skies, soft light, long shadows, laughing children

Nov 6–Friday

• A fun night out with friends to celebrate Betsy’s birthday.  And Gloria’s chocolate cake with raspberries.

Nov 7–Saturday

• The health and energy to have a productive day.

It really was a fabulous week–even with a bit of sickness.  I am a lucky girl!