Thanksgiving . . . a Time for Connecting

It is that time of the year again for holidays. Some people love them, others do not. For me, I love Thanksgiving! It is probably my favorite time of the year. It is a time to reflect on my life and give thanks for all God has provided for me.  Don't get me wrong … my life has definitely had many struggles along the way and I am sure there will be more, but I am so thankful that each day I wake up in Washington state and look outside at the beauty that surrounds me. I wake up healthy and happy free to decide what my day will consist of and how I will act. Will I bring a smile to someone's face today? Will I make someone angry? Or, even worse, will I make someone feel unappreciated? We each have the choice to show those we come in contact with how much we appreciate them, but we tend to be so busy with our own lives that we forget the importance of connecting on a personal level with others in our life whether at work, home, or in the community.

Thanksgiving is also a time to give back as well as a time to make an effort to connect with people. With all the technology and gadgets consuming our time, we forget to look up to experience life as God intended us to. We are so busy watching TV or scrolling Facebook that we are missing the important things in life like talking with your family, taking strolls through the park, or talking with those you see even if it is just a simple hello. I found this video that really says it all and I hope you will watch it to get a perspective of what you may be missing being on a gadget all the time.

---

So put down those phones! Instead meet up with a friend for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. This Thanksgiving, I hope you will make a conscious effort to really pay attention to those you are with and ask questions about their life. Play a card game or go for a walk after Thanksgiving turkey and talk. Spend quality time together as opposed to everyone sitting looking at the TV or their phone. You will be amazed at how good you feel connecting on a personal level! God bless and Happy Thanksgiving!