Ever-Present, Thankfulness, and VeggieTales.

Thanksgiving is coming close--and while the commercial world breezed through Halloween and seems to have gone right into the money-making-Christmas-rush, I hope we can truly take this time set aside in a year, to dwell on what we're truly thankful for. And in doing this we strive to make this the character-trait, not a holiday "spirit" we save for November, that should be manifested in our every moment.

If you haven't heard this Veggie-Tales song, you should definitely track it down:

I thank God for this day
For the sun in the sky.
For my Mom and my Dad
For my piece of apple pie.
For our home on the ground
For His love that's all around.
That's why I say thanks everyday!
--Because a thankful heart is a happy heart
I'm glad for what I have, that's an easy way to start.
For the love that He shares
Cause He listens to my prayers
That's why I say thanks everyday.

It's a kids song, but the simplicity of it comes to mind every Thanksgiving. A thankful heart, is a happy heart. The concept of silencing all thoughts of the future or all thoughts of the past, and living in the moment we've been given is brought to life again. Being thankful keeps us present...right now, right here. For you, friend, it may feel like nowhere. But God cannot be experienced anywhere else but here in this moment--this is the only time that truly exists*. :)

I've been terrible at posting, and will share why in a future post (? lol). Beginning yesterday, Abigail began a Thanksgiving mission to post everyday leading up to Thanksgiving, to elaborate on the attributes of God that have been especially meaningful this year. If you'd like to join, she has an event created on Facebook! :)

I don't know what the chances of a post everyday will be, but I will do my best. As The Thankfulness Song came to mind today, I felt to elaborate on the gracious gift that God has been ever-present, even when I'm not fully-present. I'm more fully-future...or fully-past. Yet, He's always been faithfully here with me, as Emmanuel could ever be.

With a thankful heart,
Jen

*From Ruthless Trust, Brennan Manning