“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude” Karl Barth

This time of year, we’re bombarded with the concept of thanksgiving. The word can be found everywhere from scripted print on paper plates to decorative wall hangings. As the month of November marches on, grocery stores experience tidal waves of frantic shoppers, carts full of traditional food-fixings including, of course, the loved frozen solid turkey. Home cooks new at the Thanksgiving meal game have a certain terror in their eyes. The promise made to never volunteer to host the holiday again can be detected as if tattooed across a forehead. I speak from experience, some Thanksgivings the thing I’m most thankful for is not what I’m proud to share. My secret gratitude is that: the cooking is done, the meal is over, dishes are done, and everyone has gone home!

We must be honest about the things we’re grateful for, it might be the smallest thing. Am I the only person that says an extra prayer of thanks when climbing into my bed of lovely crisp freshly laundered sheets? I love a snow day, staying home and not changing from pajamas. The logs in my fireplace jump to life at the flip of a switch and dry my hair after a warm evening shower. Drinking wine in a beautiful glass, pairs perfectly with a bowl of orange crunchy Cheetos. What an evening!

I’m grateful I have friends that have allowed me to pick them as family. I’m grateful for brothers and sisters that care about me from hundreds of miles away. I appreciate the culinary gift a chef shares preparing a spectacular meal when I eat at a favorite foodie establishment. I’m so happy someone invented vanilla ice cream, the only flavor I order. Besides the wedding, my favorite thing at a reception is a piece of wedding cake; lemon or almond raspberry cream filling between layers of spongy cake is glorious.

I’d love to plant a kiss on the cheek of whoever invented pocket-size lipstick. I don’t go anywhere without one or more. I’ve been stopped at airport security for having a purse full.

Our country is the only place I know that sets aside a national holiday to celebrate the concept of thankfulness. This pause, even for a day, or a meal is a reminder that we all have more than we need or deserve. I’m not going to wait for a specific day to look around and see the hundreds of little things that make my life full. No matter what has been ripped away or changed by grief or loss that makes empty space around you, we are blessed.

Blessings come in lots of unexpected ways both small and large. Our cups to receive must be properly positioned. When the blessings are poured out, make sure your cup is upright to be filled. If it’s turned upside down by anger or unforgiveness, the favor or gift spills out running to the outside of your life and is missed.

Keep watch for the small things you are grateful for. Write about them in your journal. It’s easy, start with this writing prompt: Today I Noticed...   

Then take notice.