Be Thankful (A Poem)

This time next week another Thanksgiving will have come and gone.  Hard to believe.  It will be time for the five-week “strict diet” challenge – before Christmas arrives:)  Quite honestly, I’m having a hard time focusing on the blog.  My brain just cannot seem to focus.  I can only imagine how I will be on Thursday evening:)  I’m not sure anyone really needs another post about dinner plans or thoughts encouraging us to be grateful (although I do enjoy reading them), but I did want to post today.  So I will share a favorite Thanksgiving poem.  I enjoy sharing verses, wisdom I’ve recently read, and even an occasional song lyric, but I do not often share poems.  I used to really enjoy poetry – especially writing it – but have somehow gotten away from it.    Random side note:  I also have written a few songs but that truly was a lifetime ago.  Today, I am much more about sharing others’ poetry or songs.

I know the holidays can be difficult.  Can stir up all kinds of memories as well as emotions.  With one son in Heaven, I totally appreciate that.  But there are blessings even in the hard.  Even in heartaches or other challenges.  This poem reminds me of that truth.  If you need that gentle reminder today, I hope this poem will encourage you.  Happy Friday friends!

BE THANKFUL
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary,
because it means you’ve made a difference.
It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.
~~Author Unknown.~~

9 thoughts on “Be Thankful (A Poem)

  1. Thanks for sharing this. It brought tears to my eyes (that I need to get out of my eyes. I’m at school (but I don’t have kids in the room with me!!)). I will read it a few more times (at home) and then share with my family. I hope you have a wonderful day and weekend, friend!

  2. What a great poem, Jennifer. I’ve been finding it hard to focus lately too. Probably because the holidays bring so much busyness and use up our brain power 🙂

    I had no idea you’ve written songs! That’s a unique gift. Not everyone can write songs.

    I hope you have a great and restful weekend 🙂

  3. Hi Jennifer thank you so much for this lovely post. I really needed to read this and it has greatly encouraged me. My dear mum went to heaven in March this year and I’m finding that as it gets closer to Christmas. I’ve been struggling even more (if that’s possible) with all the emotions. Hope you have a lovely weekend xx

  4. Thank you for this timely reminder, Jennifer. It’s so easy to focus on all that isn’t going well, but when we choose to give thanks despite our circumstances, gratitude can indeed turn a negative into a positive. Blessings to you as you celebrate Thanksgiving.

  5. That is such a beautiful poem! Thank you for sharing it- I love the perspective it gives and go right along with what my pastor preached today in his sermon. I do love this time of year, but I know it’s hard for so many. I wrote about that once in an article for an online magazine. It just reminds me of the beauty in all the phases of life…joy, sorrow, laughter and tears. God’s hand can be seen in all circumstances and is ever faithful and close. Much love to you, my friend.

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