Is it only the fact that Thanksgiving is around the corner that makes my heart turn to the topic of gratitude at this time of year?  Or could it be that the cycle of my life which revolves around the school year drives me to consider gratitude in November?

School begins with such enthusiasm and high energy!  It follows the long pause of summer, and there is a certain joy in meeting the new group of students who will be “your children” for a year.  But in late October reality sets in … and the work becomes difficult.  It doesn’t happen overnight and yet it is overnight when you realize, yikes!  I’m in this for the long haul.

And so today, I am grateful for my students!  They are testing today.  And I find myself anxious for their success.  I also find myself frustrated with their questions.  They make me smile and nearly cry all at the same time.

Last year I ventured into a 30 days of gratitude series of posts.  I am going to give it a go again this year!  My prayer is much like that of George Herbert’s  …

“Thou that has given so much to me,
Give one thing more – a grateful heart ….
Not thankful when it pleases me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days;
But such a heart, whose pulse may be Thy praise.”

(George Herbert, “Gratefulness”, The Temple)