November Photo Challenge: Give Thanks

I missed PJ’s monthly photo challenge for October. For November, the prompt was Give Thanks..in keeping with the season of thankfulness and gratitude.

Lately, it’s not apparent there’s just a whole lot to be thankful for and I know that sounds terrible. With the economic situation we are now in, coupled with empty shelves, record high inflation, crime sprees, political polarization, and Covid nowhere near contained, the news is nothing but depressing these days.

But, November is supposed to usher in a season of joy so I will turn away from all the awful events happening now and focus on five things in which I am thankful.

Give Thanks 1

I’m thankful I have a dog that likes to sleep late. It’s not uncommon for him to still be in his bed after the sun is up. He’s been this way since he was a pup. If he wakes me up in the middle of the night, I know it’s a serious matter and we better head for the door asap. But, most nights, he is perfectly happy to curl up (or sprawl out) in his bed. Sometimes he even leaves me in the family room watching television to go to bed!

Give Thanks 2

At the beginning of November, we were still in the throws of splendid Autumn color. I’m thankful I live in a part of the country where I can enjoy all four seasons even though I tend to complain about the extreme cold…or heat….and sometimes the rain….and let’s not forget the tornados……But, when I see a spectacular site such as this, I’m reminded what a beautiful world God has given us to enjoy.

Give Thanks 3

I’m thankful this past summer, Perry’s dad was able to grow enough green beans in his garden to share with us. My green beans turned into a bunny buffet and I got nuthin’ all summer in the way of fresh green beans. Garden fresh veggies in the summer is only slightly better than having garden veggies in the dead of winter. With his surplus, I was able to pressure can jars to have when the snow flies.

Give Thanks 4

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Early in the month, our church began the arduous task of putting 38 miles of Christmas lights on the 85 foot Sycamore tree that graces the courtyard. I’m thankful for those who spend time doing this so our community can come together and celebrate this season of hope and joy.

Give Thanks 5

We said goodbye to Entrepreneur’s dad the end of October. Hospitalized for the entire month, he lost his battle with Covid on October 30th. He became my surrogate dad after mine passed away and I’m thankful for the years spent with him. He had a zest for life that was unparalleled. We now have one of the memorial benches given to the family in remembrance of him. It will certainly remind us to be thankful for each and every day we’re given on this earth.

Thankful Bonus
Technically, this was taken on October 30th after Entrepreneur’s dad’s funeral, but it’s been a while since my family has been all together in one place. Although the circumstances of our time together was not very joyful and we’re all forcing smiles for the camera, I was thankful we were all able to be together during this time.

When I stop to consider how many blessings God has given me and my family, I have no business feeling ungrateful.

What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?

If this happened to you, what would you have to show for it? Waking up each day with a grateful heart has the ability to set the tone for the entire day, despite the news and social media headlines.

Mercifully, God’s grace is not dependent on me remembering to thank him every day. There is nothing I can do to earn his grace and forgiveness. But, I will definitely think about this question and hope I never take any of my blessings for granted.

I’ll link up with PJ on December 1st for his photo challenge so head over to A ‘lil HooHaa tomorrow to read what others were thankful for in their lives.