27 DAYS OF GIVING THANKS: DIVERSITY, UNITY, PEACE, & JOY

http://www.stockfreeimages.com/Today as I reflected on the post that I would write I began thinking about a multitude of blessings that I am thankful for. And I knew that I would have to write more than one focus area today, because I promised 27 posts on thankfulness yet, I allowed a couple of posts to hang around longer because of the responses they received. Therefore, my thankfulness posts today are for diversity, unity, peace, and joy. And I couldn't have made a better selection. What a wonderful way to lead into December.

DIVERSITY http://www.stockfreeimages.com/I was raised to embrace those different from me, respect those differences, and love individuals because of their differences and not in spite of them. Diversity comes in so many forms, cultural, racial, spiritual, educational, political, experiences, and so much more. I love the fact that we are all so very different with so many unique gifts to offer. Because we see life in different perspectives we are capable of offering various ideas, creativity, and blessings to the lives of others. And I love that. My friends and acquaintances are all from various backgrounds, races, and cultures. And blogging has provided me with the opportunity to connect with other people whose lives are not like mine, or who may not look like me. And the beauty of this is that I learn so much from the different people that I interact with and I enjoy the exposure to various cultures, foods, spiritual discussions, family lifestyles, educational experiences, and more. I am thankful for the diversity of the world that I am creating around me.

http://www.stockfreeimages.com/UNITY On the Yolanda Adams Morning Show this morning she spoke about unity among the people and how we are one although we do not look alike. Our hearts should be a shining reflection of love and sacrificing for others for a greater purpose. I love the unity that people bring about in holiday seasons to have a giving heart; in times of crisis to serve one another; and sometimes just out of love to be a reflection of Christ in all that we do. It is at these times that we see the real character of people and their true hearts. And for that I am thankful for unity.

PEACE
I have come to learn and understand peace in a different way. I often thought of peace as the peace that protects us from violence, arguing and conflict. However, this year I have received peace during some very challenging times and it has been wonderful. Through one specific challenge I found at the end of that period that I did not stress, worry, or become upset in the slightest. I continued on with everyday living with a smile on my face, love, and happiness as though nothing was going on. And it was at the end of that time that I realized I had been blessed with the gift of peace. I am thankful for peace.

JOY I have been given the gift of joy to laugh, to feel good and to just enjoy life despite what may be going on around me. Webster defines joy as: the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires (Merriam-Webster, 2012). In trials and tribulations I call upon this joy to make my days brighter and to shine some light into the life of others around me. Today as I was walking through the office greeting others I felt this joy bubbling up, and over and spilling out of me. I loved the way that it touched those around me and how infectious it is. I am thankful for the joy that I have that the world did not give to me and the world cannot take away.

It has been a healing and inspirational experience for me to write these posts over the last 24 days. I thought about how I will miss blogging about that. However, I made a commitment to myself that each day in my heart and mind I will reflect on one particular thing that I am thankful for. I am so blessed and I hope you are as well.


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C. MICHELLE RAMSEY