It is time. I know it is. There are more leaves on the ground now than there are leaves on the trees. My favorite (although forgotten) holiday of family, food, football, fun and being grateful has come and gone. It is time. I am not ready, but then I am rarely ready for change. I have grown accustomed to my fall decorations, including the “give thanks” artwork hanging in my entryway, the wooden maple leaf and the ceramic tea light holder – both bearing the word “thankful” on them. With these decorations packed away, out of sight, will I forget to be thankful each and every day for all the good gifts God gives? Seeing them each day, reminds me to truly be thankful.

Fall is naturally a season of gratitude, maybe because it is traditionally a time of harvest and of bounty. I would hate to think this season of giving thanks ends with Thanksgiving Day, just as we are entering into the season of Advent. Thankfulness is a key component of the Advent season. Could be that the Thanksgiving holiday is just a warm up, immersing my heart in gratitude, preparing my heart to receive the greatest gift ever given with humility and gratitude. And wonder. The miracle of the Christ child’s birth will always be beyond my human comprehension. I can only wonder at the inscrutable ways of God and give Him thanks.

Which brings me back to where I started – it is time for me to transition. Actually, I have two days left in my month of thanksgiving. I will enjoy my autumn decor and the beautiful colors of what leaves are still on the trees to the fullest before I turn my attention to the coming month and all that is ushered in with the advent of Advent. But one thing I will not lose during my time of transition. Rather I will hold it close, protect it and carry it with me into the coming Advent season. This is the spirit of thanksgiving, which is gratitude, the thank offerings of a grateful heart – these I will bring with me into Advent. I will not pack gratitude away with the autumn decorations. After all, thankfulness is an attitude and an action for all seasons.

“Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:19-20)

“Let me give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men. Let me sacrifice thank offerings and tell of His works with songs of joy.” (Psalm 107:21-22)

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)

sincerely, Grace Day