Thanksgiving Reflections: The Power of Hope in Our Lives

Thanksgiving is here!  As we gather around the table to enjoy a feast of turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings, or maybe your favorite Thanksgiving meal, I hope the room is full of laughter, love, and gratitude.  God has blessed us so immensely, and there’s always something for which we should be thankful for.  Gratitude is a discipline, a mindset that brings joy into our lives.  I hope that you will share your gratitude freely with others during this holiday season.   

Intangible Gifts

As I expressed hope for you in my Thanksgiving message, it’s also a moment to reflect on the intangible gifts in our lives.  This year, I want to discuss one gift that stands out — hope.

Hope isn’t just a word; it’s a feeling, an attitude, a beacon of light that guides us through life’s darkest times. It’s the belief that no matter how bleak things may seem, there’s a possibility for something better on the horizon.

Hope Fuels Forward Movement

Think back on those moments when life felt like a never-ending uphill battle. Perhaps it was a challenging project at work or a personal struggle that seemed impossible. In those times, hope was the driving force that kept us putting one foot in front of the other.

Much like a shot of espresso, hope injects a burst of energy into our lives. It pushes us to take risks, explore new opportunities, and pursue our dreams. Remember when you were a kid and you hoped for snow days? That bubbling anticipation made the wait exciting and filled you with joy. Hope does the same in adulthood; it motivates us to achieve our goals despite the odds.

I should point out that we should never allow hope to be our strategy. We must take action toward our goals and our future; it is an energizing fuel to help us to take those steps.

The Infectious Nature of Hope

A fascinating thing about hope is its contagious nature. Have you noticed how being around hopeful people makes you feel more optimistic? Like a warm, cozy blanket on a cold winter night, their positivity wraps around you, sharing warmth and comfort. It’s why leaders who exude hope often inspire their teams to strive for greatness, and why families who nurture hope foster environments of love and resilience.

Hope and Stress Reduction

In today’s fast-paced world, managing stress is crucial. Hope can play a pivotal role here. When we hold onto hope, our stress levels decrease because we focus less on what could go wrong and more on potential positive outcomes.

For CeCe, it’s always a comforting thought that maybe this year’s green bean casserole will surprise us all and be delightful.  (I love her green bean casseroles; just saying…)

Continuing on a lighter note:

The Rest of The Story

Me:  CeCe where are our scales in the bathroom?

CeCe:  I don’t think you want them after seeing your plate at Thanksgiving. 

Me:  I hope I did better than last year!

CeCe: As you always remind me, hope is not a strategy.  

Conclusion

This Thanksgiving, as we express gratitude for the tangible blessings in our lives, let’s also celebrate the power of hope. May it continue to fuel us, energize us, and spread through our communities like the joyful laughter shared around the dinner table.

Here’s to hope — I’m praying for a Happy Thanksgiving season for you and your family. May God bless you and provide abundant joy and peace in your lives. And may God continue to bless the United States of America. Happy Thanksgiving!

If you want to be part of building something bigger than yourself, this book is a great place to start!  Jon Gordon on Leading with Significance

Grab your copy of Leading with Significance to find more magnetic insights to help you on your unique journey. 

For more information on my presentations or to access my beBetter blog library go to joeyhavens.com.