Gratitude

Have you ever kept a gratitude journal? I have one but I'm ashamed to admit I haven't written in it for quite a while. My purpose for starting a gratitude journal was to challenge myself to come up with 10 things everyday that I am thankful for without duplicating anything. So, you know, the first week you cover all the expected things that you're obviously immeasurably grateful for... husband, children, family, God's love, good health, a warm home, food, clothing... the most important things in our lives. Then week after week it gets more challenging to think of things to thank God for. When I journal in this way consistently, I find myself getting more and more creative and really thinking about the millions of blessings we enjoy each day. Beautiful sunsets, cool breezes, flowers, trees, a car with A/C, running water, shoes that fit, grocery stores nearby, money to buy groceries, friends who tell you the truth- even when it's not what you want to hear, competent people, eyes to see, morning rain... I could go on and on.

Today at lunch Delainey started eating and she gasped, as she sometimes does and said, "I forgot to pray!" So she prayed out loud and thanked God for her food and then thanked Him for every person in our family as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. This is something her and Bryant often do and the thing that surprises me is that we've never really taught them to. It's almost as if they can't wait to say each person's name to God to really tell Him how glad they are to know that person. I love to hear them do this because it's precious to hear them go through this long list of names in their head while their food is sitting in front of them but the food isn't the most important thing at that moment. I think they really have it right when it comes to gratitude. They don't go through a list of toys, video games or any material item that they're thankful for. They go through a list of the people they are glad to have in their life. What a good example to me to be thankful for so many great people in my life! Also, what a great reminder that my children don't want more stuff, they want more quality time. No matter what my budget, I can provide that! I want to think more like them. Simple and grateful.