In the midst of these varying calls for our attention, I invite you to pause, take a breath, and reflect on how you would like to close out the year of 2023.

When our worries feel too heavy for our hearts, He speaks words of promise, untangling the anxieties. We are invited once again to come to Him and find rest in His loving arms.

“Awaken your spirit to adventure; Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk; Soon you will be home in a new rhythm, For your soul senses the world that awaits you.” ~ John O’Donohue

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~ John F Kennedy

“We learned about gratitude and humility - that so many people had a hand in our success." ~ Michelle Obama

“You’ll have bad times, but it’ll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren’t paying attention to.”

~ Sean (Robin Williams) from “Good Will Hunting”

Being a friend to others and embracing others’ friendship can be one of the most powerful experiences we have in life.

“Rest and be thankful.” ~ William Wordsworth

"Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary." ~ Margaret Cousins

“It takes a lot of courage to have an attitude of gratitude during the dark times. But once you have it, it empowers you.” ~ Joshua Tongol

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~G.K. Chesterton

Our role is not easy, but we know His mighty hands are stronger than our heaviest burdens.

“This is a wonderful day. I have never seen this one before.” ~ Maya Angelou

“If you fail to carry around with you a heart of gratitude for the love you’ve been so freely given, it is easy for you not to love others as you should.” ~ Paul David Tripp

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” ~ A.A. Milne

All of us - adults and children - carry more with us than others can see. Remember to begin each encounter with graciousness and then look for the unexpected strength.

“The conclusion is always the same: love is the most powerful and still the most unknown energy of the world.” ~ Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

“When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.” ~Kristen Armstrong

“Gratitude is contagious.” ~ Christina Meline

“Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift. It liberates us from the prison of self-preoccupation.” ~ John Ortberg