Practicing Gratitude
“To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything He has given us — and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence a gift of grace.”
~Thomas Merton
Continuing my list of “one-thousand gifts”…
#26) The Bible, and it’s availability (many great translations, and even the Bible online!)
#27) memories — especially the good ones
#28) my own good health
#29) a clean and comfy bed
#30) a steaming mug of tea during my quiet time
#31) no war in my literal backyard
#32) dancing with my husband
#33) non-corrupt police (I know they aren’t perfect, but I still feel safe telling my kids to talk to a police officer if they are lost or in trouble)
#34) the ability to learn
#35) loving parents who never abandoned me
#36) forgiveness; the ability to forgive others, & God’s forgiveness towards me
#37) my blog
#38) creativity
#39) ability and opportunities to bless others through photography
#40) shoes; did you that more than 300 million children in the world don’t own even ONE pair of shoes? You can learn more, donate monetarily, or contribute gently worn shoes to Soles4Souls.
#41) snuggle time with Kathryn
#42) good talks with Lindsey (rare but special)
#43) being stretched beyond my comfort zone
#44) toothpaste & toothbrushes — because I want to keep my teeth
#45) non-stinky cleaning products (my faves: Method brand)
#46) sanctification
#47) both my parents are still living
#48) a large and loving extended family
#49) the legacy of faith passed down from my grandparents
#50) handwritten notes (“thank-you” or any other kind)
Join in practicing gratitude, finding your own “one-thousand gifts.“
Wife, mom, J-ma. Introvert who enjoys good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand – unless it’s lost yet again in the microwave. Read more »
What a great mental exercise to actually take time to “count our blessings.” I enjoyed reading your list, thus far!
I’m going to check out the link. I loved this!
great list!
thanks for sharing the link! will definitely look into that.
Glad to meet another rebel. 🙂
I’ve enjoyed reading your list, and I, too, am thankful for those handwritten notes. I’m trying to get back into regularly writing those..I did so well before e-mail.
Thanks so much for the shoe link, too. We have lots of shoes we can share.
Love this! Reminds me of the time my then six-year-old dictated to me his Gratitude List. I thought he’d get to ten or fifteen items on the list (Mom, Dad, peach yogurt, church picnics, the usual). Nope. He didn’t stop until he made it to 117 items on the list.
Now one thousand, that’s impressive!