Gratitude Day 400

Thurs., Feb. 6, 2020

Romans 12:3: I’m speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.

One day in 2019, I decided that I wanted more gratitude in my life. While in general I feel that I express gratitude, this was something that I wanted to really amp up in my life.

So, I began focusing on gratitude in these blogs. Yes, I’ve written about a variety of things. Sometimes, it’s something related to our house. Other times, it’s a little life lesson that happened in my day. Maybe it’s a relationship or a story about someone. I’ve written about faith, the journey of becoming an author, prayer, and stories of the Bible. I’ve shared aspects of my marriage and relationship to Hubby Rick (much to his dismay) and special moments that I’ve encountered with the people who mean the most to me. You all know some of my favorite things: peach iced tea, a great historical book, a touching story and a lovely home that is my soft spot to land at the end of a long day.

Oh my gosh! Have I bored you to tears with all these things??!!

Yet, in every single one of these posts, I’ve forced myself to take the topic of the day and put a little twist at the end in which it now becomes a way for me to express gratitude. Some little way that I find the good in my adventure or story or reflection. A reminder to myself that my glass is always half-full, no matter what is going on in my life.

Even on the days that are long and exhausting, I have reason to find gratitude.

Throughout the weeks that may become filled with things that distract me rather than fill me, there are still plenty of examples of daily gratitude.

So, what I have discovered about gratitude after 400 blog posts that include some type of gratitude twist? So very glad you asked!

• Gratitude has very little to do with our wallets or giving or finances. Gratitude is all about our hearts, souls and minds. While we think we can be generous financially, if we do it with the wrong attitude and expect recognition or at-a-boys for it, then we aren’t really generous. We’re just trying to make ourselves look good.
• Gratitude can come in the simplest of ways. If we are too busy doing and chasing the wrong things, we simply will miss it.
• Gratitude is not ultimately about what someone gives me. It’s how I view my life, my gifts, my talents and my abilities to share with the rest of God’s kingdom.
• Gratitude can be taught to me by anyone. I also have lots of opportunities to model and teach gratitude … if I choose to do so. It’s all up to me.
• Even on the toughest of days, I pray that I always see myself as blessed and grateful for the life that I have. Period.

After 400 gratitude posts, is my attitude about gratitude different? I pray so! I pray that I turn to gratitude before many other things in my life because, well, I have so much to be grateful for.

One more thing that I’m grateful for? You. The folks who read these words and sometimes comment and share a bit of yourself back with me. I know there are a million things in your life clamoring for your attention. When you give me a bit of your time and space and come into my simple world of gratitude and sharing, I truly appreciate it. And I pray it helps you find a bit of gratitude, hope and faith inside of yourself.

Thanks for going along on this gratitude journey. Let’s keep it rolling!

For a safe place to explore gratitude and so much more, I am grateful.

Blessings –

Dianne

Holy God – Thank you for the ultimate example of gratitude in Jesus Christ. May his life and teachings inspire me to pursue gratitude in all that I do. Thank you for blessings me with so much to be thankful for. May I find little ways to express gratitude in my live each and every day. Amen.

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