Finding Strength For the Journey: Giving Thanks

“160. The smell of fresh cut grass in the morning!”

I often tell my friends that when I am having a difficult time, I go to my happy place.  I think about all the things that are going right in my life and give thanks to God.  This one little jester immediately brings joy to my life and changes my perspective on all the challenges I face daily.  It takes me out of the past, moves me away from the future and places my focus on the present, the immediacy of what I know to be true right now.  I cannot change the past.  I have no control over what tomorrow will bring. But I can give thanks for what is good in my life today. I can give thanks that as a believer in the Most Sovereign God, all of my wants and needs are addressed.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve made attempts at starting a gratitude journal, to record those things and events in my life for which I am grateful.  I have to admit I failed at my attempt to be consistent in that task.  It seems I would only go there when faced with a challenge and needed to go to my happy place.  But the journey I am on today requires that I do more than the occasional thanksgiving.  I was led to a book, by Ann Voskamp, “One Thousand Gifts.”  In this book, she talks about creating a list of one thousand things to be grateful for and how it changed her life.  It was not a task she sat down in a day and accomplished, but rather one that spanned the curse of about one year.  She numbered each item on the list.  She did not share the entire list, but she did share examples and beautifully explained the power of giving thanks.  Watch this video and gain insight into her journey:

Ann Voskamp: One Thousand Gifts

On June 6, 2016, of this year I started my list of one thousand gifts.  To date, I have recorded 174 unique gifts from God.  Giving thanks has changed my life in ways I cannot imagine.  For sure it helps me to stay balanced and gives strength and courage throughout the day.  No matter what I face, I know that God provides.  I have a written documentation of his provision on a daily basis. I challenge you to take up a journey of one thousand gifts.  You will be blessed with strength and courage for the journey.