This is the time of year when American's celebrate the pilgrim's surviving the first year in their new home. They celebrated with friends, the very ones who helped, encouraged, and were examples to them. This annual holiday is supposed to be a time to remember and give thanks for the blessings we have, which for me includes friends and family - many who are my guides to me and through their examples, encourage me to become a better person. This has been a year of highs and lows, personally. High points include my immediate family, my church, and the beauty I have seen in God's creation. Yes, that's a very abbreviated list - as I have much more to thank God. Lows include relational struggles and saying goodbyes. I hesitate to even give note to these issues in a posting that is about being thankful but I do believe that if we are willing to learn from the struggles then they can become another thing to be thankful. 
1Thessalonians 5:12-22 we are encouraged to have a greatful spirit, learning from and moving past the negative situations and discouragers we encounter. 12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil. 
This text entreats us to appreciate: the gifts we already have, the persons in our lives who lift us up, those who are positive examples in our faith journey, to share our blessings - to appreciate, live in peace, help, extend patience, to seek what is good (for all, not just ourselves), rejoice, pray, give thanks and hold fast.
In the spirit of the season and in response to this text, I now count my blessings: 1) my family, 2) my new church families, 3) the majesty I've found in my travels (including The Grand Canyon, Arches National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, the Caribbean coral reef, Colorado Aspens and mountains, Carlsbad Caverns, the Texas Hill Country and the Gulf Coast), 4) memories that bring joy as I recall my childhood, 5) my basic needs for food, shelter , transportation and clothing met abundantly, 6) health and healthcare providers we consider family, 7) our furry family, 8) time and the ability to participate in hobbies and crafts which bring me great joy, 9) freedom to worship and live, 10) so many wonderful people who choose to honor me with their friendships and become family to me, 11) contentment, 12) hope...and the list goes on and on and on. 
May our God from whom all blessings flow lift you up and keep you in His grace, peace and love so that you are encouraged to count your blessings and give Him the glory! Happy Thanksgiving.
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