Gratitude During the Holiday Season

My Thanksgiving holiday turned out well.  I’m grateful my family and I made it through another year to experience another holiday season, which was different for me but nice. I wasn’t much for cooking anything this year, and the current mood this multiple sclerosis has placed me in is one where solitude, isolation, and few group gatherings appeal to me. So, my sister, brother, his wife, and I went out to eat at a seafood restaurant (one of my favs). They served the traditional Thanksgiving turkey and other trimmings. I was grateful to eat regularly again because my appetite had changed to only one meal a day. Overall, it was a nice outing for me, and I enjoyed our time together.

The quick ride back to my home was also something I was grateful for.  I immediately curled up under my blanket, watched movies, and slept all weekend. I was very tired and needed to do this. I’ve been tutoring quite a bit—college students with essay college writing and 3rd/4th-grade children in ELA and math. I even took on a few substitute sessions with a 7^th/8^th grade group and 1^st/2^nd graders. I enjoy tutoring! I’m still grateful for how the Lord opened this opportunity for me to work from home. It aligns perfectly with the limitations I have due to multiple sclerosis.

I recognized an opportunity by tutoring these kids. They are always in my heart, and I’m troubled by the things they are experiencing so young. I have a chance to show them Jesus Christ’s love. It’s not always about preaching to them. Besides, I can’t mention God or Christ to kids in the public school system anyway; it’s prohibited. Nonetheless, through my smile, warmth, inclusiveness, and conversations with them, I’m able to make them feel wanted, accepted, and capable of learning. I inspire them by telling them, “You can learn English and math.”  I encourage them despite the struggles I see many of them have. I shared the struggles I had in reading at their age and let them know they too could overcome their challenges. This is very much a part of witnessing, I think–demonstrating God’s love. It’s exciting too, discovering the differences in how I was taught and how they are being taught. They’re showing me something new and I adapt.  I, in turn, show them some of the old-school tricks I used as a youngster, and they’re amazed. It’s a great exchange between the generations.

So, I have a lot I’m grateful for this holiday season—small, everyday things. I’m also grateful my newest granddaughter was born healthy and without any problems. Ayla Grace was born on November 13^th to my son and his new wife. It amazes me how alert the babies are today. I remember a time we would sit watching a newborn, prodding him or her to open their eyes. Not so with Ayla; she’s wide awake and alert! Lol

Finally, my book is nearing completion, and I’m grateful for the progress. I’m looking forward to having it published by early next year. Please click this link to add your email to my author’s list, so I can notify you when it goes to print and receive suggestions of other terrific books to read.

That’s all for this month. I simply wanted to chat. I hope all of you enjoyed your holiday as well and have found things to truly be grateful for. Please, comment, join the conversation, and share how your Thanksgiving was. I’d love to hear.

All the best, and stay blessed until next time… 🙂

“In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (AMP)