Say thank you.

Monday November 12, 2012

The countdown to Thanksgiving has begun.


How will you show gratitude today?


Find someone who:

• Helps without being asked. What a great model!
• Needs a hug. Someone in need prompts me to value my own blessings.
• Is “just doing their job,” and gets no recognition. She needs to feel valued.
• Is battling something. He helps me put my struggles in perspective.
• Just blesses you by being there. This person sometimes isn’t even aware what a blessing she is. Tell her!
• Has served our country. On this day after Veteran’s Day, let a veteran know how much he or she is appreciated. And tell them about Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday, where every veteran receives a free dinner. More information here.

Here’s your—and my—chance to show gratitude today, and bless someone in the process.
I'm linking up with Laura, Jen, and Michelle today.

Veterans and The Women Who Love Them: Gratitude Checkup #5

Thursday November 11, 2010

Veteran's Day - a day to remember those who serve and have served. But today, in my ever-present state of gratefulness, I'm thankful not only to those who served but those who love and have loved from afar.

I'm thinking of the women in our soldiers' lives -- the moms, the wives. I find that I too often forget their sacrifices and struggles.

A dear friend of mine recounted a family outing with her veteran son and his young family a couple of weeks ago, and it really got me thinking. They were all having a great time...but Mom glimpsed at her son and noticed his heart was heavy, his steps slow.

He stopped to rest and she fell back to see if he was all right. He was one of the lucky ones to return from war. After surgeries and recuperation, he seems great. But he still suffers physical weakness at times when old injuries are pushed to their limit. And his heart? Full of love for his family, his Creator, and his country, it still struggles a bit at times to keep pace with life around him.

Crowds, noises encroach on him and memories invade. Life is changed after war. It's never quite the same.

Moms and wives of our soldiers deal with lasting wounds every day. I'm blessed to know my friend, who shares her struggles. I'm privileged to think of her, pray for her.

Thank a soldier or two today.
And remember the women in their lives.