When one holiday flows into another, we can become overwhelmed with parties, family gatherings, lots of selfies and anticipation for the next one. I recall walking through a Hobby Lobby last July, only to see that all the summer things had been discounted, making way for the Christmas decorations which were already taking over a section of the store. Maybe it’s because we have become accustomed to things happening within nanoseconds in this day of instant gratification. The internet has made it possible for us to jump from one thing to another so fast, that we don’t even have time to enjoy what’s going on in the here and now.

Thanksgiving gets sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas. The letdown in January, leaves us without something to celebrate until Valentines Day. Maybe it’s time we enjoy each of those special occasions in the moment, without being so focused on what’s coming next. In other words, slow down and breathe each one in and let the afterglow be enough until the next one comes.

I am at the age where family has become a major focus. The days of raising that family are well over, but the times we continue to spend together are so important to our mental health and our positive moments. As we approach the end of life, we can see our mistakes – our foolish decisions – the bad choices – the innocence, the lessons learned and the hope for a future in eternity. We slow down because we have to. Our bodies no longer are capable of preparing a huge feast. Getting decorations up and cleaning the house are no longer simple tasks. We have a family that pulls together whenever they can. Being together is one of the benefits of that goal.

So, Thanksgiving is over for another year. The pumpkins and fall decorations will be replaced with inflatable Santas and reindeer. Lights will be lit on Christmas trees and packages will be placed under them. The gratefulness of this season should carry over throughout the coming year, but we soon forget all the platitudes become meaningless -and we return to normal living – whatever that is. Being thankful should be a daily activity. Thanking God for all His blessings is a good place to start. Every day should contain our prayers of Thanksgiving.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!