Thank You!

With the holidays approaching, most of us are scrambling to find ways to accommodate the many loved ones in our lives. Gifts must be purchased, travel arrangements must be made, and meals must be prepared. And even though this should to be a joyous time of year, it is too often the most depressing. A lot of us feel a great amount of pressure to live up to the expectations of those around us. I want to relieve you of those feelings by expressing my gratitude...for you!

This season, I want each of you to give yourselves a pat on the back for the many accomplishments you have made this year. You may not be where you want to be, but you are certainly not where you used to be. And we do not hear the words "well done" enough. This Thanksgiving, my prayers are for all of you. I thank God for you, do the same by thanking God for your own achievements. Instead of worrying about what you have not done and the things you cannot control, thank Him for your growth and fellowship in Him.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or depressed, take some time to celebrate your successes. Look at the areas in which you have grown and allow those to propel you toward future goals. Enjoy the holidays, spend time with those you love, and eat some turkey for me!

"Dear brothers and sisters, we can't help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing."

~2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NLT)