Thanksgiving is almost upon us.

And while many of us are planning out our meals or our travel plans, we often miss the essence of the holiday.

Giving thanks.

Thank you : two simple words, sometimes said casually in passing or quickly in a text to a friend.

But how often do we consider the things that someone has done for us; pause and really thank them for what they’ve done?

My friend, Dawn, is someone who takes the time to pause, ponder and pray.

She never misses an opportunity to stop, reflect and write a note of gratitude to those around her.

This is one of the things I cherish about her.

Each week as I write, she takes time out of her schedule to proofread and offer me feedback.

I cannot tell you how much her support and time have meant to me over the past year.

Every time I think of her, I give my God thanks.

Jesus had a busy schedule, but He always made time to pause, ponder and pray.

“But the news about Him was spreading farther, and large crowds kept gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their illnesses.  But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray (in seclusion). “ Luke 5 15-16 AMP

Jesus was deliberate.

He made it a priority to pause.

As the busyness of the holiday season is quickly approaching, my challenge to you is this:

• Pause .  Take a breath and be still.
• Ponder.  Consider those around you and how important they are in your life.
• Pray.  Thank God for this person and pray for them.

As I pause today, I ponder who may be reading this blog.

Know that I am thankful for you, and pray that God’s love and peace overflow in your life.

Take the time today to pause, ponder and pray using this free download from God2Share.