Scripture: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” — Psalm 103:2 (KJV)
I was born in November. Therefore, my personal year begins in November, making October my sacred month of reflection, accountability, and thanksgiving.
Each October, I take inventory. How much did I earn, save, or give? How many miles did I walk or cycle? How many paintings did I create? Did I fulfill my promises and use my time wisely?
Tonight, however, as I examined my unfinished assignments, a deeper question interrupted my accounting: What about the blessings I never earned, the dangers I escaped, and the mercies I had forgotten?
Suddenly, my inventory became an altar of thanksgiving.
I remembered falling from a ladder and nearly losing my arm. Yet God preserved me. I remembered that I never went hungry. I remembered unexpected opportunities, answered prayers, friendships, and doors God opened when I saw no way forward.
How easily we remember disappointments while forgetting deliverances! How often we ask God for more without thanking Him for enough!
Walking beneath the brilliant October moon, I thanked God for my eyesight, imagination, curiosity, and the gift of discovering beauty in ordinary things.
Then I began thanking Him for January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Every month carried evidence of His faithfulness.
I imagined my father reviewing my annual report card. Would Papa commend my diligence or question my wasted opportunities? Perhaps both.
As November approaches, I acknowledge my shortcomings and resolve to make amends. But I will not allow unfinished assignments to silence my thanksgiving.
For life’s greatest profit is not merely what we accumulate, but what we learn, share, and give.
My year begins in November, but God’s mercies begin anew every morning.
Today’s Invitation: Before asking God for more, remember ten blessings you almost forgot. Turn your inventory into thanksgiving
