Thought for Today: Shabbat August 20:

Remember, thankfulness opens the door to YHVH’s Presence. Though He is always with you, He has gone to great measures to preserve your freedom of choice. He has placed a door between you and Him and He has empowered you to open or close that door. There are many ways to open it, but a grateful attitude is one of the most effective. Thankfulness is built on a substructure of trust. When thankful words stick in your throat, you need to check up on your foundation of trust. When thankfulness flows freely from your heart and lips, let your gratitude draw you closer to Him. He wants you to learn the art of giving thanks in all circumstances. See how many times you can thank Him daily; this will awaken your awareness to a multitude of blessings. It will also cushion the impact of trials when they come against you. Practice His Presence by practicing the discipline of thankfulness.