Give Thanks in the Mess: Happy Thanksgiving! #shortburstsofencouragement

I’ve had times when “I can’t see the forest for the trees.” I get too caught up in the minor details and miss the main point.

Yet perhaps more often, I experience the opposite. In the midst of getting through a tough or rushed day, I tend to only notice the forest (and an overgrown one at that) and miss the individual trees in that forest.

You see, my struggles with the day blind me to the gifts within the day. 

If I’m not intentionally looking, I fail to acknowledge the very moments that lift me up. The bird singing, the hand helping, the heart praying.

Give Thanks in the Mess

I believe every day is filled with these countless little grace notes, tiny snippets of blessings. However, the big picture of each day can mask the very thing that makes each one rich.

Every day is filled with countless little grace notes, tiny snippets of blessings. However, the big picture of each day can mask the very thing that makes each one rich. Today, intentionally look and acknowledge the blessings. Click To Tweet

Thankfully the mask can be lifted. The gems within our days can be unveiled.

It’s really about taking a closer look at the day. It’s about peeking into the under story of our forest.

What is it that is carrying you through this day?

What are the gifts of today?

Did someone send a word of greeting?

Did the furnace kick on to offset the 30 degree temps?

Do you have food in the refrigerator? Was there one of your favorite cookies left?

Did you have just enough toothpaste to get your teeth brushed?

Did your car start this morning?

Do you have someone that loves you?

The questions could go on and on, revealing the many things we take for granted. 

Yes, there are always blessings in each day; it’s just that we get so caught up in the mess, we miss those details.

Today, look differently at your day, take time to see the moments that make it up. Notice the drops of grace that sustain you. And be grateful! 

Today, take time to see the moments that make up your day. Notice the drops of grace. And be grateful! Click To Tweet

As you prepare to feast with family and friends this Thanksgiving, take just a moment to be reminded of the blessings tucked in the chaos. Watch this wonderful preview of The Skit Guy’s video, Messy Blessings.

This Thanksgiving, may God richly bless you with joy of gathering with loved ones, and may He give you the eyes to see it.

“Be thankful. Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:15b-16

Reflections: What is your tendency: do you see the forest (big picture) and miss the trees (details and moments), or do you notice the trees and fail to take in the forest? 

I’m joining Holley Gerth for her Coffee for Your Heart Wednesday link-up and Rachel Wojnarowski for Whimsical Wednesdays. Click on the images to read more linked-up posts. So much wonderful encouragement!