Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day, I chose a Scripture that highlights the generosity of our God. I live in Central California—a cornucopia of fresh produce—so I understand the significance of a bountiful harvest. It makes perfect sense to me that Thanksgiving comes at the end of harvest season.

I received a letter last week from hospice, as if I needed reminding that I’m approaching the anniversary of my mom’s last days on earth. She died the day after Christmas last year, so this will be my first Thanksgiving and my first Christmas without the company of my precious mother. Even though I miss her terribly, I still believe that God gives me plenty of reasons to be thankful.

I learned a long time ago that we can focus on the things we don’t have and feel cheated, robbed, discouraged. Or we can focus on the things we do have and be thankful.

This Thanksgiving, let’s focus on the goodness of our generous God who has promised to meet all of our needs through His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Let’s focus on our abundant reasons to be thankful.

Longing to Belong: Discovering the Joy of Acceptance is now available for purchase on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com, Booksamillion.com and Christianbook.com. It’s also available for download to your Kindle or from the Apple store for your iBooks app. Or visit my website to purchase a copy at shawnamariebryant.com

This week's scripture: Psalm 65:9-13