There is nothing better than waking up early in the morning, and starting my day before anyone else is awake. It’s quiet. I’m alone. Life is still. The world is mine. The chaos of the day has yet to begin. I’m free to read, think, dream, pray… and just be still with my Maker.
But sometimes these quiet moments of reflection and prayer quickly turn to panic as my mind wanders to the hopes and dreams that have yet to materialize in my life, and all of my unmet goals. I worry. I doubt. I feel behind. I compare. My faith dissolves to fear… my peace is replaced with anxiety… my joy turns to jealousy… my healthy ambition changes to a competitive spirit. I rob myself of happiness as I focus on all the things I want, instead of rejoicing for the things I have.
It’s ungratefulness that feeds this downward spiral.
It’s ugly… I know it.
I also know it’s a choice and that the only thing I can control in this life is my attitude and the choices I make.
And so today I make a different choice. A choice to live in thanksgiving for the abundant life we are blessed with.
I choose to refocus my mind on the things that matter. I will reflect on what is true, what is noble, what is right… what is pure, lovely and admirable. I will think about those things that are excellent and praise worthy.
I choose to love others more than I love myself. I will take my mind off of myself, and my dreams, and look to the interest of others. I will find opportunities to give and to serve. I will see others’ needs as greater than my own. I will rejoice when my friends succeed, and cry with them when they hurt. I will remember that there is no greater love than to give your life for a friend.
I choose to see God’s faithfulness and his endless provisions over the years. I have never gone hungry. My head has always been covered with a roof. A loving mother… a faithful wife… committed friendships… my life lacks no good thing.
I choose faith. I will believe in what is unseen, hope for what is to come, and trust God with all that I have.
I choose to be filled with joy. Prayers may seem to go unanswered; dreams might not have yet come true. But true joy comes from a thankful heart that finds contentment in the present, whether living in plenty or in want. In both seasons, I will choose joy.
Jamie and I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving. Our hope is that somewhere in the midst of all the cooking, eating, football watching and time spent with family, that you will take a moment to reflect on the abundant life you are blessed with, and choose to live in thanksgiving.
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with Thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100
photo credit: Matthew Land Studios
Download and print our Sinclair & Moore Apple pie recipe
recipe design and calligraphy: La Happy 
This was so good to read today! I of course love the gorgeous decor and yummy looking food, but what really touched me was the words. We all get so caught up in being bigger, better . . . striving to achieve amazing things always. I do agree we forget to be thankful for what we have and where we are and be still . . . and happy with the life that God has blessed us with. Thank you SO much for this post today, Happy Thanksgiving to you both!
Thanks Tamara. It is such a hard balance and a fine line to walk. Being ambition is admirable, but so is contentment in the moment. Definitely trying to figure this one out! Thanks for reading and taking the time to leave a comment. Happy Thanksgiving. We still need to find time to grab coffee!
Steve and Jamie, I’ve been following your blog for a little while now and wanted to tell you that you both are so inspiring…from your design talent to your outlook on life to your devotion to seeing beauty in world. Your words were good words to read this morning. Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Stephanie!!! Miss you, friend!
Rachel, you lovely soul! Miss you too – but love keeping up with you through Sincerely, Ginger. Another woman with admirable skill and wisdom!
Thanks so much Stephanie! Your words mean so much, as we never know if anyone will even read what we post. Thanks for your encouragement. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
This was so lovely to read. Happy thanksgiving!
Thanks Rachel. Happy Thanksgiving to you! I hope it is a great first Thanksgiving for Rowan!
Amen!
Absolutely beautiful – Every detail is intentional and lovely. Thank you for the Thanksgiving inspiration, both visually and scripturally. Happy Thanksgiving Steve and Jamie!
Thanks Debbie!
This really hits home today. Thank you….
Thanks Erin. Thankful to have you as a friend and colleague. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Chris and your family.
SO pretty. Everything.
Thanks Ashley!
Happy Thanksgiving, Steve and Jamie. Thank you for this thoughtful post and for the beauty you bring to others’ lives.
Thank you Carla for your sweet comment.
What a wonderful message to wake up to this morning!
Thanks Beckie. I hope you had a fantastic holiday.
Oh my goodness! What a wonderful and touching post. The words and beautiful pictures both speak to my heart! Thank you. I hope you both had a wonderful thanksgiving!
PS. I host Christmas dinner every year and would love to see what you plan on doing so maybe I can copy;)
Thank you Julie! We did have a wonderful holiday, and I hope the same is true for you too. And yes… we will be posting all throughout the Christmas season some different ideas that hopefully can be inspiring for you. Thanks for following our blog and always being so encouraging.
Incredible! I choose Faith too:)
The words in this post truly touched my heart. I was just studying scripture before going to bed and this post confirmed exactly what God was trying to tell me. I guess He wanted to make sure I understood. Thank you so much for posting this beautiful lesson {God? Yup I got it thanks for the nudge! } Happy Holidays!
Thanks for reading and taking the time to let us know the impact it had on you. I’m glad this post could be used to meet you where you are at. That was such a blessing to hear. Just took a look at your blog and your work. Inspiring. Happy holidays to you too Naomi, and we wish you all the best.
Thank you! Happy New Year to you and yours!
I stumbled over your posts on Instagram and was led to your incredibly real and wonderful blog. I’m so inspired by you both, your expressive simplicity and charm. It’s like I’m having a delightful conversation with people next door. Thank you for this joy by sharing both your talents, love of God and life with so many.
Wow! Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. It means so much, and was really encouraging to read. Our goal is to be transparent and authentic above all else. Thanks for following along and your support. Blessings to you!
Continually, I’m encouraged and blessed by the gift of your sweet spirits, and vulnerability. Thank you so much for sharing your lives, your work, your tips for success in a plethora of areas! May the sweetness of Christ’s love, and all the richness of life in Him bring great joy to each of you as you celebrate this week.