On this day before Thanksgiving, the words of John O’Donohue remind us to listen closely during this season. In his book, To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings, O’Donohue writes, “May you arise each day with a voice of blessing whispering in your heart.”

For many of us, life will slow down in the next few days. Family will show up at our table. Rest and relaxation will happen. And hopefully, we will live into the spirit of gratitude.

My prayer is that on this day and every day our hearts will be open to the voice of blessing that whispers to us and that we will in turn free our heart to whisper our thanks to God, who is the giver of every good and perfect gift.

Pam Durso is the executive director of Baptist Women in Ministry, Atlanta, Georgia.