Thanksgiving comes one day of the year. Thanks giving living can be a way of life every day of the year. Giving thanks in all things is a joyful way of life, and can be achieved. Each moment we give thanks for something, that is one more moment of joy we have. Those moments can add up to a life style of joyful thanks living.

God says to give thanks in all things (I Thessalonians 5:18). But is that even possible, especially in light of all the pain and suffering we encounter in this life? He doesn't say that we must give thanks for those things which are tragic and cause our hearts to break, but we can still be thankful that God is with us through these painful times to help us. Giving thanks will give moments of joy to keep us afloat.

Thanks giving living can only be perfected by much practice. It takes a conscious effort and reminders throughout the day. But the more we implement it, the less effort it takes to remember, and before we know it, it becomes a habit that multiplies.

I try to remember to take window breaks throughout the day, to stop by a window for a few moments and look outside to find something to be thankful for. It may be a flash of red on an otherwise dreary day. I stop to watch a cardinal flit from branch to branch, giving thanks for this beautiful bird to cheer my day.

Perhaps a squirrel or chipmunk comes into view. I take a minute to watch its antics as it scurries across the lawn, up a tree, running in and out of the wood pile. I give thanks for these cute critters and the joy they bring. Window breaks bring moments of joy I wouldn't have otherwise.

Right now my Christmas cactus is profusely blooming, with at least 85 blooms. (Yes, I counted them.) As I marvel at the beauty of each flower, I give thanks for the joy it brings. But this is how the joy of thanks living multiplies. I stop a moment to remember how this beautiful plant came into my life.

About 30 years ago a sweet, older woman gave it to me at a time when my life was in shambles. I think of her and all the love she poured out upon me, and I thank God for bringing her into my life at a time when I needed someone to be there for me. As I remember her, my thanks continues to multiply, and I thank God for all the love and healing He has poured into my life in these 30 years.

It's not hard to begin thanks giving living. Start by taking a moment morning and night to give thanks for something in your life. Add times throughout the day to stop a moment and give thanks for something else. Continue to add those moments, and before you know it, you will be filled with joyful thanks in all things.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 482-5300.