I recently read a book called 1000 gifts -- an experimental and BEAUTIFUL book examining the ways that the heart needs reminding, that giving thanks is a lifestyle, that being thankful changes our hearts, brings healing, brings joy, brings hope.. Over the span of the book, the writer wrote down, everyday, a few things that she was thankful for. Even the littlest things, because those are often what bring happiness, and unfortunately they are the first to be overlooked.
Whenever I meet someone who smiles not because life is easy but because there are innumerable reasons to be grateful, I remember those people. I admire those people. And I desire to be that way.
I know that I'm often saying I'm going to do this or that, and I'm starting a new project, or travelling to some place interesting... and it rarely ever comes to pass... I would like to try THIS. Writing down, consistently every day, a few things that I'm thankful for. And when I have the impulse to complain or to fret over something seemingly hopeless or horrible, GIVE THANKS instead. I desire to be present -- awake -- in every moment, to see the things that I would normally dismiss as insignificant. I want to take a deeper look at the tiny moments, the little things that add up into great things. And hold loosely all the stresses that the world offers.
So for today, I will give thanks for:
A church community that not only LOVES God, but LIKES Him, and gets excited about Him!
The smell of rain
A hug at just the right moment
A job that I love
More to come,
x
This is cool, Janna.
ReplyDeleteI have been participating in the 31 Amazing Days challenge - just doing something amazing (or in my case noticing something amazing) every day this month. I have been blogging a little about it each day - http://wonderingjourney.blogspot.com/
Awesome Kaye!!
ReplyDeleteI know someone who after reading that book decided to do the same thing. Every day she journals in a book of what she was thankful for that day - that she normally wouldn't notice. It changed her from the inside out!
ReplyDeleteToday, I give thanks for YOU! I have never met anyone that is as sweet, creative, inspiring, joyful, lovely, breathtakingly beautiful, and the list goes on and on - as YOU
~Sharon P
In my prayer journal I often write what I am thankful for. I think it helps put perspective into our lives. At the end of a touch day we can still find so much we are thankful for. Love you. xo
ReplyDeleteI too am doing that...I love that book. It was life changing for the way I see things. Thanks for reminding me once again how precious life is. love, mama.
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