The day is not complete without sharing a few things that I am grateful for. Beyond the delicious food, friends, and family around the table here are my top 5 for today. Be sure to share in the comments what you are most grateful for. Let’s celebrate together.

#1 My husband is with us this year. Despite my determination to be joyful in his absence it is definitely nicer to have him with us.

#2 Healthy Energetic Children. Having been through a season in life when this wasn’t the case makes me so much more grateful for the gift of today.

#3 A Church Family we adore. So thankful for a loving, supportive community of fellow believers.

#4 Friends who have opened their home to us.

#5 Family who are to far away to be with this year but desperately loved and missed.

If you are finding it difficult to have a joyful heart today here is some encouragement.

The Apostle Paul gives us 7 Essentials for a Grateful Heart, you can read about them over at Wives of Faith along with many other great articles on Thanksgiving.

Perhaps you are alone this holiday. Let the words found in 1 Thessalonians 5 be of comfort to you and remember that God is with us even when we don’t feel His presence. Read about Being Thankful in ALL Situations .