Are You Ready...

....for this??!!



No, not a sporting event....but this....


Well, don't worry, neither am I.  I mean, didn't we just celebrate Halloween???  It sure feels like it.

Over the next few days, I hope to be able to share a few things with you for Thanksgiving.  The first thing I want to share is this beautiful poem, author unknown....


Be Thankful
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.

My friend Julie, at Renaissance Mermaid, shared this poem and has taken verses from this poem, printed them out, and framed them.  She is using them as place cards for her Thanksgiving table, the verses chosen for each family member's circumstances.  What a wonderful idea!

 Soooo, in the spirit of being thankful, what is your favorite verse from this poem?

  

26 comments

  1. I went over and visited and will be going back to look around longer. Thanks for the tip about this great blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so welcome! Julie is the sweetest thing and her blog is delightful! Enjoy!!

      Delete
  2. Beautiful post today Benita. I am heading over to see Julie's place cards. Sounds like a pretty unique and wonderful idea.
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Kris. Julie's idea was very unique and truly special. So personal for each family member...I thought it was wonderful! Love and hugs to you sweet friend!

      Delete
  3. Lovely poem and lovely idea. I think it sounds amazing!! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was just the sweetest thing and the poem is so beautiful!!

      Delete
  4. Of course we are thankful for many things, in our life.

    But right now, I am finding it hard (again) to 'make nice' and talk about them.

    Not the proper attitude, I am sure.

    But mine, today.

    When the bile keeps rising in my throat....

    While the bile keeps rising in my throat....

    Tessa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mine too sweet friend...mine too! I have to control myself, immensely, and it is getting more and more difficult to do! Love and hugs!!

      Delete
  5. My brother is bringing his travel trailer to the lake for our annual Thanksgiving. This year's menu is smoked salmon, grilled broccoli, and pumpkin brownies. YAY! I do not have to do anything! I love the poem.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is an awesome set up you’ve got going there…not having to do any of the prep for Thanksgiving??!! You are definitely riding on easy street! It is a wonderful poem, isn’t it?!!

      Delete
  6. wow!
    thank you for that cool work out.
    i just sat here in my chair and moved my arms and legs for that 2:23 and i feel better! energized.
    and the poem.
    i think my lines in it would have to be...
    "be thankful for the difficult times... during those times you grow."
    and yes.
    this month literally FLEW by.
    xo♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL...see, I did the same thing when I saw it...LOL

      And we are definitely in difficult times, aren't we?! Each day brings something more unpredictable and violent....I like the verse you picked also! I hope you and the Marine are doing something adventurous for Thanksgiving! :-) Love and hugs to you!!

      Delete
  7. Thanks, Friend, for sharing the poem and directing your followers over to my blog. I hope these words are an inspiration to someone :)






    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so welcome Julie. It was such a wonderful idea and the poem is just so beautiful…I wanted to share it! Glad you didn’t mind! Hugs!!

      Delete
  8. This poem is beautiful and enlightening---every verse is so true. We carry around so much guilt and so many regrets, it's surprising we can find joy in anything sometimes. So I'm grateful for everything in this poem. Off to see Julie.

    How is everything going? Still busy? Travel plans for the holiday? Happy Thanksgiving if we don't touch base again!

    Jane

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was so beautiful and I wanted to share it. It is truly one of those beautiful thought-provoking pieces and you are so right, there are so many things that weigh us down it is a wonder that we ever smile or find any happiness at all!

      Everything is hectic and crazy gearing up for the holidays, but we are glad to be home and settled for a bit! :-) No traveling for us...what about you? Home? Traveling? Resting or crazy? LOL Happy Thanksgiving to you my sweet friend!! Sending lots of turkey hugs your way! :-)

      Delete
  9. Hi Benita! :)
    My favorite verse from the poem is 'Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive' !! So true!!
    I am going to visit Julie's blog now...what a nice idea to use the poem for place cards!
    Have a wonderful weekend!!
    Big Hugs!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought it was a great idea! All of these verses speak volumes and truly make us sit back and think for a few minutes! Hope you had a fabulous weekend! Hugs!!

      Delete
  10. This is lovely, Benita! My favorite is:
    Be thankful for the difficult times.
    During those times you grow.

    Love it - and welcome back! xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Debbie! That verse was one of my favorites also...because it is so true and I have experienced that many times! Hugs!!

      Delete
  11. I believe I saw this on Julie's blog recently and meant to print it out but got sidetracked. It's lovely Benita!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When I saw the poem on her blog, it just made me stop....it is very beautiful and such a wonderful sentiment at Thanksgiving!

      Delete
  12. Love the poem and the idea to use the different verses as place cards. I don't have to do anything for Thanksgiving but set the table, so I am ready! There are only three of us every year so we are ordering our dinner from a local grocery store, and it is fabulous! I just had to buy some local apple cider and a pumpkin cheesecake from Trader Joe's. Done! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Are you hosting in your new home!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loved her idea also and the poem is so beautiful! YUM on the pumpkin cheesecake!! I am hosting this year but am trying to keep it simple since we've had such a busy traveling schedule lately. I had thought about ordering from Kroger, but the hubster likes watching the turkey bake, so I told him I would cook a few things and leave it at that! I hope you have a most wonderful Thanksgiving AnnMarie!!

      Delete
  13. Beautiful poem. Thanks so much for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was so pretty and you are welcome! Hugs!!

      Delete

Please leave a comment! I do love hearing from you and enjoy visiting your blogs. I will respond via email or by replying to your comment here on my blog! Have a wonderful day!