Thankfulness Challenge

November 1st. I always love firsts. It’s so nice to start over, to begin again, to have new mercies each day. Each November I have made it a little tradition of mine to have a Thanksgiving Attitude of Gratitude. I also like to encourage others to do so also. What a great time to look back and see where we came from. I’m reminded of the First Thanksgiving that America had-boy did those Pilgrims have a rough year. The first year nearly 60% died and it was called by some, like those in Jamestown, “the starving time.” But somehow those who did survive pressed on, and by the time their harvest came in and they were assured of provisions for their second winter, that starving time was past, and my, were they thankful!

I surely can’t compare myself with them. I’m so blessed it’s ridiculous. I have so much food I have to practice starving myself occasionally on purpose for my health. My daily needs of shelter, food, water, and even love have always been met. Why have I been given the opportunity to live here and now? Why was I born in America when so many others are born in poverty? All I can think of is the quote that Moredcai gave Esther, “And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this.” So this time, I want to look back with gratitude.

I am very thankful for being born in America, for my heritage. I’ve not been without challenging times. 1st world problems though they may be, life “ain’t been no crystal stair.” But my challenge this year is this: to be thankful for both the good and the bad. To look back on my own personal “starving times” through eyes of Thanksgiving and not just endurance. These were my times when I was starving for help, for encouragement, for answers to questions I couldn’t ask out loud. Times of disappointment, even death. Man, looking back can be bleak, but all of those times made me who I am today. All of those times, the good and the bad, have shaped me, helped me, grown me, and brought me to where I am today.

So here I am today on November the first of 2024. I am 38 years old. I got myself dressed today. I have clothes. I may not be able to style them like others, but I’m not cold. I have food, so much food. I have running water and heat. I have a wonderful home. My family is here with me. What a blessing that is. And today, I am thankful to be alive.

What about you, will you take the challenge too?

-Carrie

P.S. If you’d like to read all of my stories in order that I wrote them in November 2024, you can find them here: November Thankfulness Blogging Challenge