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As I sat down to think about Thanksgiving this year, I couldn’t help but process it through all that has happened in my personal life. There was a long list of things to be thankful for: three healthy sons, an encouraging and loving wife, a fun and supportive family, life-long friendships, a rewarding profession with great clients, an upcoming book release, and a growing speaking career.
However, atop that list was confirmation from a recent follow-up visit to my dermatologist: cancer free. That thought was the catalyst for my previous post, The Last Thanksgiving.
However, after writing that post, I wanted to leave you with a couple of practical steps to help make this Thanksgiving extra special.
1. Be Present
I have to remind myself to shut off, shut down, and be present. Too often, the temptation is to jump on social media, lose myself in a book, or just veg out. This year, I’m encouraging myself to be present with those around me. So, close up this post and go be present.
2. Have a Conversation
Engage in a more-than-surface-level conversation. Find that family member or friend and just talk. But, I challenge you to talk about more than the football game. Avoid the arguments of politics and the banter about current events, talk about their life, their hopes, their dreams, their fears. Keep the reign on being positive and encouraging; don’t allow it to become a complaining party. Talk. Listen. Conversate.
3. Give Someone a Standing Ovation
Praise someone. Call them out. Clap loudly. Give Hugs. Celebrate someone special. It will shine a light of Thankfulness.
I leave you with one of my favorite verses:
“You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in THANKSGIVING TO GOD.” 2 Corinthians 9:11
Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!
MH
Those are some simple, yet great tips on how to truly enjoy Thanksgiving! Have a great Thanksgiving from our family to yours!
Ask someone how you can be praying for them. Nothing tells another person you care, like engaging with the Father about a need he/she might have. But do it then. And they will feel so cared for. Telling them you’ll pray later. Well, you just might forget.