Thankful Thursday: To cheer the heart

It's Thankful Thursday, a weekly pause to express gratitude for people, places, and more. Please join me. What are you thankful for today?

Books sometimes arrive just when you need them. This week, two books cheered my heart:

A Simple Act of Gratitude: How Learning to Say Thank You Changed My Life

by John Kralik

You might, as I did, glance at this book and roll your eyes. Oh, how sweet, how charming. But don't let a cranky heart keep you from enjoying this small book with a big message. This honest story, simply told, will draw you in. By the last page — and it's a quick and engaging read— you'll begin to see gratitude in every person, place and situation.

Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Little Golden Book

by Diane E. Muldrow

The ongtime editor of the iconic Little Golden Books culled the pages of the sturdy, gold-spined classics to offer a humorous "guide to life" for grown-ups. Drawn from the Poky Little Puppy, The Saggy Baggy Elephant and other stories, she pairs the images with sage advice: "Be a hugger" and "Don't forget to enjoy your wedding" — and my favorite: "Sweatpants are bad for morale."

On this Thankful Thursday, I'm thankful for books, and those who give love in the form of a book (thanks Mom! thanks Sis!).

What are you thankful for today?