Let's remember to be 'so thankful' for what we have

"Taking the loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves."

- Mark 6:41 (NIV)

I placed my pumpkin on the kitchen table. It isn't very big, only about 3 inches high; but it has a powerful message written on it: "So Thankful."

It's not just a reminder to be thankful, but "So Thankful." In the cloudy, dreary days when we get bogged down in the worldly issues that are so full of uncertainty and pain, it's nice to enjoy having a fun, gentle reminder to set our focus to be so thankful.

Some of our blessings are monetary, others include health - even the healthy parts that still work. And the blessings no money can buy - family and friends. And then there are the spiritual blessings of salvation, insights and understanding.

With the recent passing of a friend, it made me realize how thankful we need to be for our spiritual blessing of eternal life.

Counting our blessings oftentimes can become a mundane ritual, but we need to put some thought behind it.

A good friend of mine was without hot water for two weeks. When she was finally able to take a hot shower and wash her dishes, she was so grateful. She mentioned how she couldn't believe how much she took having hot water for granted.

Jesus took two simple fish and a few loaves of bread and, after giving thanks, fed 5,000. I believe giving thanks was a big part of that miracle of multiplication.

When we dig deep and think about everything we have to be grateful for, it really does change our focus and help renew our hope and faith in God to do great things.

As we approach Thanksgiving, let's take some time each day to be so thankful for the things we take for granted, find enjoyment in the simple things in life, and believe for a few miracles along the way.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.