I had an unexpected burst of energy yesterday morning and took full advantage of it by putting up my fall and thanksgiving decor around the house. I hadn’t planned on putting it up this year, bracing for chemo thunder to hit me over the weekend, but something inside of me was bound and determined to celebrate this Canadian Thanksgiving like no other. After all, I have so much to be thankful for!

Being thankful is a choice. It has little to do with circumstances, and everything to do with giving God all the praise and glory in the midst of any and all situations. I will praise Him for the mountaintop experiences as well as the valleys. In the storms and in the calm, gentle streams, I will remember His provision. I will seek and find Him, thanking Him for Who He is.

I know the Thanksgiving holiday in Canada has become yet another watered-down secular celebration without thought to our Lord’s provision around us. Families gather to watch football, and eat turkey dinners, and enjoy the day off. I don’t malign those activities. I can’t cook up a big meal this year, or even have family over because of my health, but next weekend, once I’m over the chemo side-effects, we all plan to gather over a take-out meal and enjoy one another’s company. There will be laughter and frivolity no doubt, but more than that, there will be a deep sense of gratefulness to God for his watch-care over us these many months.

It has been a hard year health wise for me. Each member of my family has not only journeyed this road with me, but have had their shares of personal challenges as well. Career changes, job lay-offs, grieving over a loved one passing,…if we focus on the hardships we have faced this year, we might become discouraged and embittered. I choose to be thankful. I read a cute meme the other day: “They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. At this point, I should be able to bench-press a Buick!” Yep, I can relate.

That said, I am glad I have a God Who gave me all the strength I needed this year to bench-press any “Buick” that got in my way!

My heart is full of thankfulness, and I am thrilled I was able to put up my fall decor, decorating my home with little offerings that honour this special season. As I look about me, I am constantly reminded to give God all the praise, glory and honour not only during this holiday season, but in all circumstances.

Being thankful is a choice!