Dear Friends,

A funny thing happened to Steve just yesterday. His email was hacked and the hackers were sending out false requests for help, money and/or a gift card. He worked on clearing this issue with a techie friend. Of course we were shocked that this happened and yet there was a blessing in this incident. We received SO MANY phone calls, emails and texts saying they would be happy to help us, but were concerned Steve’s email was hacked. Both of us, at a moments break, realized how many loving friends we have and how willing they are to step up when someone is in need. We felt loved, cared for and supported. Advice was given and we happily received it.

Give thanks in all circumstances

Today I needed to get help from a techie at Constant Contact because I could not log in to my account. The first techie was not able to help me. The second techie was able to help, and finally cleared up the errors and helped me create a new password. While he was working on his end, I looked out my window at the beautiful fall trees and gave thanks. I was grateful to be able to call on someone to help me, even if it took two people, and I appreciated his knowledge and patience.

Give thanks in all circumstances

It just reminded me that no matter how upsetting a situation is, in our lives, there is always a silver lining, a blessing, a possibility of good from it. Rev. Thomas Shepherd said in his article in the ‘Daily Word’ magazine, “I can’t always be thankful FOR my circumstances, but I can always give thanks DURING adverse and challenging times. Giving thanks positively affects the thanksgiver.”

We are coming up on Thanksgiving in a week, so what better time to be grateful for both the joys and hardships. We are grateful for our joys, and are grateful for the beneficial lessons learned from our hardships.

Maybe at your Thanksgiving table you can share your gratitude and blessing as you move through:

Every experience we have is designed to help us, support us, guide us or move us forward in learning and consciousness. What I have noticed is how wonderfully kind people are. We realize we are going through this “stuff” together. People are more patient on the zoom calls when someone has difficulty sharing a screen or not muting or unmuting when necessary. People give each other the space needed in the grocery and big store lines.

Neighbors are checking in to see if people are OK and have enough.

We are in this together and doing it not just for ourselves, but for and with each other.

Keep your spirits up by intently recognizing the gifts, grace and blessings in every situation. The more we recognize the spiritual potential of every experience, the more good we will continue to find and be grateful for.

Grateful for Everything,

Abigail and Steve