There is a book that came out several years ago entitled One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. To be honest I couldn’t get through the entire book due to the style of writing. However, the underlining message, so I have been told, is to be thankful for even the small things in life for they are God’s gifts to us. Our co-teacher for Sunday school started writing down 7 things he was thankful for every morning. He said by doing so, he started his day in a positive way.
Lately, thankfulness has been put on the shelf. Not that I haven’t thanked God throughout the day or week, but it hasn’t been a priority. Sure I have been thankful as I have seen God work in the lives of my family and friends. For myself though, thankfulness has been few and far between.
I have taken up the challenge to start writing two things every morning that I am thankful for:
Day 1
- Friends who love me for who I am and pray for me
- The writer’s group I attend. Who with godly love and encouragement they critique and share the talents God has given them
- My daughter Emily and her sweet nature
- That my ipod didn’t lose its charge while I was doing car line duty. The warning “low battery”, came on at the beginning of a 45 minute job of directing cars out of the local elementary school
Day 2
- A God who is creative
- The wonder and uniqueness of imaginations
- An answer to death
- For scientists who are not afraid to say that they believe in a God who created the world and universe in which we live.
- The student I mentor who God is now using to stretch me as a person
As you can see the list didn’t stop with just two a day. He wants us to have a thankful heart. The amazing part is what happens when I write down the things I’m thankful for; the smallest item puts a smile on my face and reminds me that God is at work in all areas of my life.
I would like to challenge you to purchase a small notebook, for a month write down at least two things you are thankful for everyday. If it’s small enough you can take it with you and write items down throughout your day. Don’t disregard the “small stuff’ like my ipod situation. When those rough days come, re-read what you have written and let your heart soar.
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances
For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV 1984)
Solitude with the Father 