What are you grateful for today?

It’s Thanksgiving. We pause, gather with family and friends and give thanks for all that we have. In truth, we should be thankful everyday for all of the blessings in our lives, but that can be a challenge when life seems to be only throwing you curveballs.

Last year, I made a list and said why I was grateful for each person. I am still grateful for many of the same people and some new ones. Today I am not making a list. Today I am enjoying this fall day being grateful for all of the connections in my life.

In the past week, I was able to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. I have had conversations and spent time with people I enjoy very much. Having lived in different parts of of the country and worked remotely makes my circle very wide sometimes and yet very small all at the same time.

My sister thinks that “only I” can go to a conference or be in another country and find people I know. I think that can be true of many people. When you know people that have similar passions and interests, it’s not hard to run into them again.

During one of the sessions I attended at the conference, the presenter (a friend of mine) said something that stuck with me. He said “The bridges exist already, we just have to point them out”. He was talking about the bridges between languages and culture, but I can see how that carries over into my life. The bridges/connections I made years ago, they still exist, I just have to remember that they are there.

I know in this season of cold and upcoming winter, people may be feeling like that in their spiritual lives as well, that there is no connection/bridge to other people or even to God. It can be a lonely time for many. God doesn’t leave us even when it seems like he is no where to be found.

What I experienced in my own life this past week is that whether it has been one year or 20, the connections still exist and can be reconnected if you are willing. Sometimes you have to take the first step and reach out. I am talking about personal relationships, but it works the same with Jesus.

Today, I wish you health, happiness, and many blessings. I hope that you see them all around you. I also challenge you to look around and see what connections you have and which ones need to be repaired. What bridge can you build today? Take a step and reach out to someone (Jesus included) and tell them why you are grateful for them. You may be surprised at what happens. Happy Thanksgiving!