Season of Change

Here I am at day 7 of November, my FAVORITE time of the year, in the midst of this beautiful season of fall, the month of Thanksgiving, and I find myself feeling a little ungrateful. In recent years, my newsfeed on social media was inundated with posts of gratitude which helped me stay focused, but this year there are just a few sporadic posts. I am assuming many who have participated in the past are either too busy to make such posts or have the "been there done that" attitude. After all, how could we possibly come up with anything fresh and original at this point?

As for me, I'm struggling with my own little reality, the battle between being "content in all things" and this deep desire for change, drastic change. If I were asked to list the things I would like to be different in my life, I could fill an entire journal. Then again, for every single aspect I am unhappy with in my life, I could list 10+ blessings.

So I pause and ask myself, what is it about the negative things that demands so much of my attention? And the answer is clear. It's what I give myself to, where I choose to let my thoughts stay, and how I allow those worries and concerns to become the meditation of my heart. Changing my attitude begins with my taking authority over my thoughts. As I cast down those thoughts of ingratitude and refuse to yield to a grumbling and complaining tongue, I can overcome this toxic attitude that makes life less exciting and robs me of my joy.

Right here, as I sit under the blow drier at the salon, I'm choosing to cast down every negative thought, worry, or concern and stifle every grumble and complaint, and instead, focus on what an incredibly blessed woman I am. Because the truth is I am infinitely blessed beyond measure.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." --Philippians 4:8

Celebrating November with a Smile

Because November days just make the troubles in everyday life seem insignificant with cooler weather ushering in this fresh perspective on my here and now, I love November. I love everything about her.

And today I celebrated her arrival with a smile. Early, early this morning, I knew she had arrived when I felt the need to pull the quilt up to my chin, tuck the covers a little tighter, and I couldn't help but smile. I wanted to shout, "November is here! She's here! She's finally here!" But I didn't think the sleeping masses would appreciate or share my enthusiasm. At lunchtime, I celebrated her arrival by having an impromptu picnic on the front porch with the man I love the most, and I smiled when the coolness of the breeze made me shiver just a bit. And this evening, as I took a short walk and peered into the heavenlies, I felt this overwhelming desire to sing songs about the greatness of my God. The tears in my eyes were simply a response to the smile of my heart. 

Welcome Sweet November. How I have anticipated your arrival! And thank you, Papa God, for the wonderful days of November!