I’m in deep deadline mode, but surfaced to catch up on some chores.  I went down my to-do list, stopping when I came to the reminder to write this post. As I thought about what I wanted to write, the idea of thankfulness kept coming to my mind. Since I know when to listen to my inner voice, that’s exactly what I did.

Thankfulness comes for a variety of reasons. I don’t know about you, but thankfulness to God the Father for everything He’s done for me comes first on my list, followed closely by family and good friends. I don’t take those in my life for granted, after all, where would I be without the people who enrich my life? So thank you to the people in my life who support me because I have a job I love.

As I came across some scriptures for a Bible study I’m doing, this verse caught my attention.

and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—Ex 35:31

This passage was about those entrusted with the work of making the tabernacle a special place for the Lord’s presence. But the words stopped me. With all kinds of skills.

God has given us talents and abilities. It’s up to us to discover what those are and live them to the fullest. It took me many years before I realized I could use my gift of storytelling as a career. God blessed me with this and every day I thank him because I get to write stories that I hope will touch people’s lives. That will perhaps give someone a couple hours of joy. Trust me, I realize what a gift and privilege this is. So I also ask for wisdom from the Holy Spirit as I come up with story ideas and reach my daily word count on my works in progress.

And since I get to be an author, I want to thank readers for taking the time to choose to read books. We live in a very busy world with lots of entertainment options within our reach. Social media seems to dominate our culture. Picking up a book or ereader is a big deal. I don’t take your support lightly.

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son

Don’t you just love the beginning of this song by Don Moen? I’ve been singing it for two days.

Here are some scriptures I love.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4: 6

Today I want to tell you I appreciate you and send you a great big thank you!

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Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her next Harlequin Heartwarming romance, Always The One, available February 2020 .  Visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter and receive a link to download a free digital book.