Here are two words we can be thankful for:

Quartzy – related to quartz

Muzjik – a peasant in Russia

What? You are not thankful for those words? Well, you would be if you were playing Scrabble. They could get you 28 or 29 points, and that does not include any connecting words. Plus, you would get to use your Q’s and Z’s.

The word ‘scrabble’ means to grope or scratch around trying to find something to hold on to.

Most words would not have a point total anywhere near those two, but scoring points in life is of much greater value than scoring points in Scrabble, right?

So, here are some words I am really thankful for:

Grace – Ephesians 2:8 says that we are saved by grace through faith, and it is not of ourselves. It is the gift of God. A definition of grace is free and unmerited favor of God. Undeserved! Unearned! Embrace grace! It meets us where we are, but does not leave us as we were. G.R.A.C.E. – God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.

Hope – Hebrews 6:19 says that we have hope as an anchor for our souls, firm and secure. A definition of hope is a person or thing that may help – or save – someone. My hope is Jesus! Even on the darkest days, there is always hope! H.O.P.E. – Hold On -Pain Ends!

Love – John 3:16 says that God SO loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life. God did not just love the world – but He SO loved the world! Love is an intense feeling of deep affection. And…God SO loves us – with deep affection!

Peace – John 14:27 says that Jesus gives us peace, and that we are not to let our hearts be troubled or afraid. Peace means quietness, tranquility, serenity, mental calm, and freedom from disturbance. We may not have the absence of trouble, but we can have the presence of God. Be at peace – not in pieces. Peace: Brought to you by Jesus Christ!

None of these four words – grace, hope, love, and peace – have a value even in the double digits as far as the Scrabble point total goes, but they sure have great value in our lives – and would look good on the Scrabble board, too, wouldn’t they?

And they look even better when we feel we are scrabbling around in life – trying to find something to hold on to. Grace. Hope. Love. Peace. They sound beautifully limitless, endless, and infinite – which makes us winners every day of our lives!

As we celebrate another Thanksgiving season, may your life be filled with grace, hope, love and peace.

And…I am thankful for you.

Ann is a speaker and teacher. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com