By Carolyn Redfearn, retired teacher and member, Trinity Baptist Church.
May each of you have a very Happy Thanksgiving and remember to be thankful for all your blessings all day every day!
Gratitude means counting your blessings, noticing simple pleasures, appreciating the people in your life, and acknowledging every blessing that you receive. It has been said: “ Gratitude is a vaccine, an antitoxin, and an antiseptic.” A 2002 Yale University study reports that being grateful and thinking positively can extend one’s life by seven and one-half years.
Enthusiasm, energy, and general well-being are brought into your life when you focus on the fullness of your experiences and say, “Thank You.” A thankful attitude is a stress reliever.
Not only at this season, but every day, be reminded of things for which you are thankful. It might be: An unexpected compliment, a talk with a friend, time with your pet, a walk in the park, or just quiet time. Be thankful for your health, income, family, church, home, friends, your ability to read, and even chocolate!
Express your gratitude by sending thank you notes, sending a card, sending an email, giving a gift, volunteering, or simply listening to someone. Do random acts of kindness for little things can make a big difference to someone else.
So at this time of year and every day of the year be in a mode of Thanks Living!!!!
Baptist Spirituality 