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How to Express Gratitude During Thanksgiving

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Real Estate Broker/Owner with 1 Month Realty 49855-090

How to Express Gratitude During Thanksgiving 

Thanksgiving November Challenge

Thanksgiving is the one time during the year where we are prompted to think about others more than ourselves.  We all have so many things to be grateful for. Maybe it's waking up in the morning.  Do we let God know how grateful we are for the day He has made?  Maybe it's a new relationship, or the need for extra income, or even our job situation.  Whatever it is, we must always be grateful for the call God has on our lives, the world He so lovingly made, and the people He puts into our lives to draw us closer to Him.   

Christmas Present

 

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is

like wrapping a present and not giving it."

-- William Arthur Ward

 

 

Showing gratitude to people who may dislike us or those we just don't get along with is tough.  The Lord commands us to love those who we don't get along with in the book of Mathew.

Displaying patience to those who rub us the wrong way. Patience allows us to cool down and gain God's perspective of the person we are interacting with and how we should love them.  

"Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love."  --Ephesians 4:2

We are also commanded to pray for our enemies. The dictionary describes an enemy as "a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something". While we may not have any enemies out there, we do have those who are opposed or hostile toward us. Dedicate some time asking God to give you His heart for them and pray for them.  Hard?  It sure is.  It may be awkward at first, but as you start to pray for them, you will feel your heart soften towards them and you will begin to have gratitude towards them.

"But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!" --Matthew 5:44

Really, if it wasn't for God, we wouldn't have much to be grateful for. If that is the case for you, why is it so easy to forget to show gratitude towards Him? Like most of us, we get overwhelmed by our schedules, especially during the Thanksgiving season, it appears to be amplified and there is never enough time in a day to do what we set out to do!  Just not enough hours in a day right?  This is just a quick reminder to put the important things first. 

Dinner at table

If you need a little nudge, here are some ideas to hopefully jumpstart the ways you can show gratitude this year.

1.  Create a list of things you are thankful for and write them down.

2.  Smile at everyone you come across (a smile goes a long way. It may also be good for you personally if you are having a rough day.)

3.  Cook a meal for someone. Find out someone's favorite dish and make it for them. Invite them over or deliver it.

Thanksgiving Memo 2023

This is my second post made in fulfillment of the ActiveRain November Challenge by @Debe Maxwell, CRS  ...

 

 

Show All Comments Sort:
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Diane. Patience and acceptance are two things that are still a work in progress even during my retirement years. Just as I think I have made great strides my wife reminds me that I still have a long way to go. Enjoy your day.

Nov 28, 2023 03:50 AM
Diana Dahlberg

Sounds like your wife loves you so much and just wants to keep you humble Wayne Martin ... bottom line:  We are all a Work in Progress!

Nov 28, 2023 08:49 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Diana,
We do indeed have a lot to be thankful for every day. Enjoy the rest of the holiday season.

Nov 28, 2023 04:32 AM
Diana Dahlberg

Thank you Carol Williams ... I am looking forward to this entire holiday season ... so many things to do and people to see!  

Nov 28, 2023 08:51 AM
Bill Salvatore - East Valley
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Great information regarding This Thanksgiving, was special for us. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your week!

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

Nov 28, 2023 04:37 AM
Diana Dahlberg

Bill Salvatore - East Valley so glad your Thanksgiving was special.  So often we forget to stop and ponder on the many blessings we have.   

Nov 28, 2023 08:53 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Patience is difficult to do at times, but really does help in most situations!

Nov 28, 2023 04:38 AM
Diana Dahlberg

I am reminded every morning when I pray of the Fruit of the Spirit -- and one of them is Patience.  Difficult?  Yes.  Especially with the ones we love the most.  Kat Palmiotti hope you have a wonderful week!

Nov 28, 2023 08:57 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Loved your post, Diana... and I've always been a fan of the William Arthur Ward quote. That sentiment can't be perfected.

Nov 28, 2023 05:16 AM
Diana Dahlberg

Nina Hollander, Broker So glad you loved my post!  William Arthur Ward is a gift to us for sure.   Here is another quote I love of his ... Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings ...

Nov 28, 2023 09:01 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Diana Dahlberg hi Diana... I know that quote, as well. It is also spot-on!

Nov 28, 2023 09:04 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

This quote is spot on for me Diana!

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings ...

Nov 28, 2023 09:47 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Sorry to hear she's not doing well.  Always tough to lose a fur baby Diana.

Nov 28, 2023 02:57 PM
Diana Dahlberg

Hi Anna "Banana" Kruchten ... Love this Quote too! 

Hope you are doing well?  Believe it or not I'm flying into AZ for a few days in Dec (12/6-12/9) to stay with my daughter as her doggie (KonaBella) -- my first love -- is not doing well and I have to see her before she is gone.  The Vet has given her 3 months max.  It's already been one.

Nov 28, 2023 01:49 PM
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Anna "Banana" Kruchten this will be my first time losing a fur baby --- my first granddoggie 😥💔🐶

Nov 28, 2023 04:11 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Diana- love your post. It's easy to be grateful for those who treat us well.  But it's more difficult to express gratitude for those who are not our cup of tea. When we are grateful we want to share that with others. 

Nov 28, 2023 07:32 PM
Diana Dahlberg

Great point Kathy Streib -- thank you for your wise words!  I find that when I am struggling in any way with another person, if I pray for them, it changes me!

Nov 29, 2023 07:57 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Oh, I absolutely love this post and love your list of ideas to share gratitude with others - a great list and will surely spark some thoughts of thankfulness, Diana! I so enjoyed all of your quotes and verses. This one really resonates with me:

"Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love."  --Ephesians 4:2

Thank you for sharing your posts with us during this month's gratitude challenge!

Nov 30, 2023 09:29 PM
Diana Dahlberg

I enjoyed sharing the posts in November Debe Maxwell, CRS ... thank you again for sponsoring this monthly challenge!  There are so many quotes that speak to our hearts!  Thanks for sharing your thoughts ... you always bless me!

Dec 01, 2023 09:55 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

A fine post for the Challenge and one I hope did not take you hours to complete.

Dec 01, 2023 01:18 PM
Diana Dahlberg

Thanks Ed (Edward) Silva, 203-206-0754 ... I learned so much from you talking that day.  Believe it or not, it only took about an hour.

Dec 01, 2023 01:59 PM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

This is a great post reminding us of so many things we should be thankful for.  I practiced some of these things this year and what a wonderful difference it made in others!!! :)

Dec 02, 2023 11:13 AM
Diana Dahlberg

Thank you Ricki Eichler McCallum for your sensitive comments.  I'm glad to hear you practiced and saw the wonderful difference it made! God Bless You!

Dec 02, 2023 07:12 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Dec 02, 2023 06:57 PM
Diana Dahlberg

Oh what a pleasant surprise to open my emails and find this Just for You Feature Kathy Streib ... there is so much to be thankful for and writing the post was an honor and now I am blessed by you on top of that.  I so appreciate you and thank you for this honor!

Dec 02, 2023 07:15 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is timely advice to share during this holiday season.

Have an outstanding week.

Dec 12, 2023 08:28 AM
Diana Dahlberg

Thank you Roy Kelley for commenting on my blog.  I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!  Blessings ...

Dec 12, 2023 02:55 PM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Diana Dahlberg - I am very grateful our paths crossed here on ActiveRain. You are a blessing and a beautiful soul. Merry Christmas and may you be blessed be in abundance. You have a gift for making others feel good and special. There could never be another you on ActiveRain or in the real estate industry. 

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Dec 25, 2023 12:58 PM
Patricia Feager

Diana Dahlberg - I consider you a blessing and wish you well in all that you do and decisions that need to be made. May love, peace, and happiness, and the feeling of Christmas live with you always. 

I wish you the very best in 2024 and beyond. 

Dec 26, 2023 12:42 PM
Diana Dahlberg

Thank you ... Thank you ... Thank you!  Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP 

Dec 26, 2023 01:21 PM
Diana Dahlberg

Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP This time of year brings such fond memories of days gone by as well as remembering so many people who have made an impact on our lives.  You are one of those special ones in my life!

"The gift of love. The gift of peace. The gift of happiness.  May all these be yours at Christmas and into the New Year!"

Dec 26, 2023 10:15 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Diana Dahlberg - Checking in on you and hoping all is well in business and personal. Easter is nearly here. I hope you have plans to celebrate the holy season with loved ones. 

Mar 02, 2024 02:46 AM
Diana Dahlberg

Thank you for reaching out!  I have actually been involved in a number of things that have kept me very busy and thus I have not been on AR for a number of weeks.  All is well, just a change in focus for now.  Resurrection Sunday is quickly coming upon us!  We are looking forward to spending special time celebrting this precious and holy time!  Thank you for thinking of me!

Mar 22, 2024 11:48 AM
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

What a wonderful post about being Thankful for what we have. And always remembering that in all things God.

Nov 08, 2024 02:01 PM
Diana Dahlberg

Lynnea Miller I so appreciate you taking the time to comment on my post about Thanksgiving from last year!  I wonder how to update it so it can be more applicable to today!  Any ideas?

Nov 08, 2024 03:21 PM