Today, I am grateful–in spite of intense challenges before me. I am a deeply loved daughter of God who has been given many good things–and naming them allows me to appreciate them more.
Grateful for a quiet corner in a quiet house to write. Grateful to run into a friend while I walked the dog around the neighborhood pond, storm clouds gathering but holding at bay as we strode along the path.
I am grateful for my job, which can be done from this quiet corner. Grateful for a thousand small blessings: gathering with my writer’s group, Redbud Writers Guild, last night; a comfortable bed in a warm, safe house where I slept sound; an answered prayer; a friendship where I can bring my whole self (broken parts and all); a new freelance gig; a new book releasing soon; steps of spiritual growth I see in my kids; the last blooms of summer along the pond’s edge.
When we see and name the blessings, we live into the truth that we might otherwise miss: we’re blessed. We cannot fully enjoy that which we do not notice. If you want more joy in your life, even in seasons of difficulty, notice the good things.
Gratitude brings us into the presence of Jesus, the giver of all good things. Even the challenges–they are good things, too, because they are forcing me to lean on Jesus, to collapse, frankly, in his open arms. And what does he require in return for his comforting presence? That I simply rest in it. That I relax and trust that I am a deeply loved daughter, and that all shall be well.
What are you grateful for today? In what ways, small or large, have you experienced the love of Jesus? What good things has he blessed you with today? Take five minutes to notice five good things. List them in your comment below, and tell us what happens to your soul as a result.
Good conversation, replenishing rain for our parched earth, daughter had a good day at school, WONDERFUL healing touch of my massage therapist! Such blessings that are so appreciated. Feel rejuvenated and ready to face another day back at work tomorrow.
Thanks, Shauna! Gratitude does indeed replenish us, strengthens us for the battles we have to fight every day.
I saw the title of your post and internally finished the sentence in my head “… must come to an end”. I was worried that you were no longer going to blog – so I am very grateful for you and your blog and the way you speak into my life through it.
Jodie,
You have no idea how much I needed that encouragement this morning. No, I’m trying to write more frequently–not giving it up at all. So no worries! I’m grateful that you find encouragement here, and especially thankful that you told me that.
Keri, your point about how even challenges are something to be thankful for made me think of James 1:2-4 where he talks about trials producing perseverance and that perseverance leads to maturity and completeness. My wife and I are studying James together through Beth Moore’s video and workbook series called “Mercy Triumphs”, and this is something I am thankful for. God cares enough about us to give us his word and he has given me my wife as a study partner for understanding his word better. Thanks, thanks, thanks!
I am also thankful for you and all you have done to help me with my writing, from that invitation to write a guest post on the masculine Christianity issue to the encouragement you’ve given as I embark on my new blogging adventure and everything in between. Added to all that is that I get to read your great writing in your books and here on your blog, which is even more to be thankful for. Bonus!
Tim
Tim
you are blessed! And you are a blessing to many. Thanks and best of luck with your blog. Friends, be sure to click on Tim’s name to visit his new blog!