I truly believe that practicing gratitude on a daily basis will change our lives. It refocuses our attention, gives us perspective, and guards our hearts from discouragment.

When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of the Apostle Paul's words, "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) It's an amazing thought isn't it? It's God's will for us to be thankful...in everything! I truly believe that practicing gratitude daily will change our lives. It refocuses our attention, gives us perspective, and guards our hearts against discouragement.​

​Yesterday I spent three and a half hours at the DMV renewing my driver's license. Due to Covid restrictions, the first two hours were spent outside the building, standing in line. While I was frustrated at the long wait, the one good thing that came of it was they gave me enough time to read a book.

I believe the old adage is true: "leaders are readers." For as long as I can remember, books have been a part of my life. Today we are living through a cultural shift where more and more of our learning is acquired through visual media.  A Pew Research study conducted last year revealed that 27% of Americans had not read a book in whole or part in the previous 12 months.

​Undoubtedly, many factors cause this decline in reading: our fast-paced lives, family responsibilities, financial pressures, and increased visual media consumption. Worldwide, the average person spends 144 minutes per day on social media. The current TV viewership is two hours and 46 minutes per day. Yet, I often hear people lament they don't have enough time to read.