There’s no better time to pause and reflect upon the many blessings in our lives.

Believe it or not, the world will survive a few days without our business devotion, so go ahead and invest your day with friends and family.

We have a lot to be thankful for …

As we begin to look toward 2021, Thanksgiving is a perfect time to pause and reflect upon the blessings we enjoy.

This year, it may seem harder than ever as all of us adapt to the restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.” ~ Tecumseh

Nonetheless, it remains the preeminent family holiday and a wonderful occasion on which to remember all of the things for which we are thankful … our family, friends and health for starters … and other blessings of warm smiles, a baby’s laugh … and, of course, a delicious Cabernet.

The Pageantry may be stilled ….

Thanksgiving usually kicks off a long, often raucous holiday season. For the most part, it’s devoid of the frantic gift-buying, holiday card creation and party circuit pageantry that surrounds Christmas (unless you’re parked in a tent in front of Target waiting for the store to open).

“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” ~ Zig Ziglar

Don’t get me wrong. There’s a lot of fun in all of that … but we often get to the end of the Christmas season … exhausted, drained and looking for another holiday to REALLY get a break?

On the bright side, maybe the restrictions, limited travel, curfews and other restrictions will give us a chance to look inward for joy and satisfaction and look past the usual ramp-up toward a gift-giving bonanza.

Leave work behind. Take a break. Refuel.

So, take a few moments to relax, to hug your loved ones and reflect on everything that’s working well in your life. Don’t focus on what you don’t have (or what you want for Christmas) but FOCUS ON WHAT YOU DO HAVE.

“Got no checkbooks, got no banks, still I’d like to express my thanks. I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night.” ~ Irving Berlin

Not the material things. Many of us probably already have more than we need.

The human things.

The grace and love from the people around us that we so often take for granted as we hustle about our lives.

Thank you for the blessings and favor that grace my life

Don’t let Thanksgiving pass by without loving the ones you love … and who love you … and enjoying and embracing all of the blessings that fulfill your life.

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesteron

It is in that spirit that I offer my special thanks today to everyone who contributes to the blessings and favor that grace my life.

Best wishes to you for a restful and bounteous Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends.