Practice Thanks Living (Part 3)

My celebration of Thanksgiving may be over, but my year of giving thanks is just beginning. Starting now and through 2016, I plan to concentrate on thanks living. A familiar quote from Bill Keane is motivating me in that direction.

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God,

that’s why we call it the present.”

I’ve mostly dealt with my past and learned from it. I’m replacing my anxiety about the future with hope. But what do I do about TODAY… I feel the stress level rising as I write the words below:

• A phone call from the doctor says, “You need more tests.”
• A rude driver cuts me off and blasts his horn.
• A unexpected situation thwarts my plans for the day.
• A broken appliance ruins the budget for the month.

 Today is a Gift of God

Growing older with more life experiences under my belt gives me a better perspective on coping with daily stress. An attitude of gratitude and a good sense of humor empower me to tackle my problems one by one. No matter what comes my way today, it helps if I can look at each challenge as a gift. Another important tool for managing my daily stress is flexibility. Some days I wish I was more like  GUMBY — a tall colorful balloon that swings and sways in the wind. It also helps to find ways to share your burden with another person who will encourage and pray for you.

We all like to think we are in charge and control of our lives, when in reality we have to “let go and let God.” My personal experience of almost dying from liver disease before getting a liver transplant almost 18 years ago is a constant reminder to me that each day is a gift. Nobody knows what tomorrow will bring. We need to celebrate each day as a blessing and an opportunity to give back to others. Not only is today a gift to you, but you can be a gift for someone else. A prayer, a visit, or an act of kindness goes a long way toward putting a smile on another person’s face.

As we contemplate December 25th when the best “present” of all became flesh to dwell among us, take time to “present” yourself to God so that you may experience His “presence” during this Christmas season.