There are two words that I intend to use a lot everyday. Some days I do this better than others. These words are "Thank You." I want to learn to take nothing for granted but to be grateful for every good thing that comes my way. I want to learn to receive good moments as a gift instead of taking it all for granted. I don’t want to become like a few people who I’ve known who had developed a habit of griping and complaining and seemed to have no joy about the good things that came their way.
I will begin a list. I encourage you to build your own list. I am grateful…
- …for my wife, two daughters, and son-in-law. Not a day goes by that I do not pray for them.
- …for friends who encourage me and care about my well being.
- …for wonderful people at our church who express gratitude to me more often than I deserve.
- …for the sound of the creek behind our house.
- …for a cup of Starbucks coffee served in the morning by some pleasant people.
- …for an outstanding life-group. I am blessed to have my life intertwined with theirs.
- …for people at our church who I enjoy being around: John, our cheerful custodian, our smiling mothers-day-out workers (too numerous to name), the wonderful people who I work with in our office.
- …for a lunch at Rudy’s Bar-B-Q with a friend or an evening out with other friends.
- …for children who remind me to enjoy the simple things.
- …for the pleasure of tasting good food or drinking a diet Dr. Pepper.
- …for the joy of a reading a good book or listening to good music.
- …for several older men and women at our church who are always so kind to me.
- …for good health.
- …for the pleasure of meeting so many people through this blog.
I really think I could go on and on with this. Far too many people focus on the negative. Some of these develop a very negative disposition. They seem perpetually unhappy with life. Yes, there are frustrations, disappointments, and discouragements. Yet, these are a part of life and will always be present in one form or another.
Instead, I want to learn to focus on things for which I need to be grateful. I want to give a lot of "thank you’s" every day.
So what would be a part of your own list?
You hit the nail on the head for me today, Jim. I am grateful for this place for the God-hungry. Thanks for being you, and for so often saying just what I need to hear.
peace
The rainbow I saw last evening. My washer and dryer (having done it the “old fashioned” way not that long ago.) My computer that brings you and your thoughts into my home. My good friend (Ken Mick) who intorduced me to your blog. I could go on and on (and will each day
God blesses me with.)
I remember my mother always told me, “If you cannot say anything nice don’t say anything at all.” There was a reason why she told me this, however I cannot recall it at this time. Thank You for reminding me to focus on the positive ways that God has blessed me. I am grateful for your post.
Good reminder, Jim. One of the more difficult “thank You, Lord” moments in my life was to see the hand of God in a very, very difficult time in my life and see, from retrospect, how much this pain has actually blessed my life.
Is this exercise you suggest considered one of the spiritual disciplines? If not, seems to me it should be.
Thanks Dan–I am glad that in some way this is a blessing for you. Thanks for reading this blog.
Thanks Nancy–I recall the comment or e-mail in which you told me of the connection with Ken Mick. I think a great deal of him as well. So glad you read this blog. Thanks for this encouraging comment.
Thanks Perry–I’m glad this particular post was particularly meaningful to you.
Thanks Gregg, I kind of suspect the hand of God is much more present than I might ever imagine. I suspect that I miss a great deal of what he is doing.
i’d say thank you God for the little baby snoring next to me right now, with his right foot crossed over his left. so sweet.
thank you God that tonight i went to a public garden that was deserted. i walked around until a cat came along, and walked with me. i was so blessed i just smiled until it was time for me to leave, and say goodbye to my little tour guide.
Thanks Holy Mama,
Sounds like two special moments. Thanks for stopping by.