Why do we wait for Thanksgiving and the holiday season to start being thankful? Starting in November, we all start to post about how thankful we are for our friends and family. Especially on Thanksgiving, Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook are taken over by "thankfulness" posts—lengthy posts, multiple pictures, and long text messages blow up phones during Turkey day.
The holiday season is all about togetherness and blessings. Thanksgiving is just the kickoff to the gratitude Super Bowl. I'm not saying that we shouldn't post pictures and express our gratitude during the holiday season because it is nice and feels great to know that you're loved.
The definition of thankfulness according to Dictionary.com is, "feeling or expressing gratitude; being appreciative." Nowhere does this definition link thankfulness to a time of year. So, why do we wait to be thankful? Why do we wait for the third Thursday of November to tell the people we love what a blessing they are in our lives? We can express our love in March or July or January. Or what about all of the time? Gratitude can be expressed 365 days a year. Everyone wants to know that they are loved and care for.
Everyone wants to feel like they make a positive impact on somebody's life. Don't wait. Don't wait to tell someone you love them. Tell them who they are becoming and how they've impacted your life. Who knows if we even have another holiday season together? Or tomorrow? Or even the next hour? Take the time today to encourage people. If we're being honest, we all need it.
Maybe someone is having a bad day and needs to know the truth about who they are. Maybe someone lost someone they loved, either emotionally or physically. But, maybe someone is having a great day and they just aced an interview or a test or a presentation. Encourage them too. Thankfulness isn't a season. Encouragement shouldn't be based on circumstances, but love. Take the time today and make it a habit. I promise you will be the best part of someone's day.
