Hebrews 12:28: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that can’t be shaken, let’s continue to express our gratitude. With this gratitude, let’s serve in a way that is pleasing to God with respect and awe.

Gratitude Day 933

There are a variety of practices I try to include in my regular walk as a believer in God. Practices that I use on a very regular basis. Over the years, I have modified what I do, how I do it and why I do it. And this is important! As we change, our spiritual practices should also be updated.

There is one particular practice that I have embraced for years that I think is super important. It’s not daily scripture reading and prayer. While I do believe these are helpful, if I would pick one daily practice that I would encourage people to embrace, it would be this: gratitude.

Gratitude.

I know. Maybe not what you were expecting.

Why gratitude? Because gratitude is, in a sense, a form of prayer. It also encourages us to look back and see where and how we see God working in our daily lives. It’s a connection to the real, life God who loves us and embraces us and wants the very best for us. Gratitude is connecting all of this, and so much more, together.

My practice includes writing down three ways that I have experienced gratitude in the last 24 hours. Yes, I literally write them down. Why? Because I can go back and remind myself the good and important things that have happened in my day, week, month year; especially when I forget that there ARE many good things in my life. Actually, there are many GREAT things that happen to me. Every. Single. Day.

So, if I can encourage others to practice and express gratitude, I’m all in. Yet, here’s the deal. I think it is best if we keep it easy, simple and with a low threshold to cross. Make it too difficult? And we’ll (or I’ll) stop. That’s why I only let myself write down three things, even on the days I could write more. This way, I make them important. Significant. Meaningful.

Recently, I ran across this Gratitude Journaling Prompts for April. Immediately, I knew this was something I wanted to share with others. Because, duh! I LOVE gratitude. If writing three things a day isn’t your jam, no problem. Can I encourage you to start with these journaling prompts? There’s a statement for every day in April. What might be fun is to find someone to do this with. Have a conversation with this person(s) during a meal, over coffee, in the car. Or text your answers back and forth each day. Certainly, a daily phone call qualifies as well. Just ask the first person you think of to see if they’d like to take this little gratitude challenge with you.

When answering the statement, keep it simple. Usually, the first thing you think of is the best answer. Yes, there maybe times when later, you think of another answer. No problem! Write this down as well.

No matter what is going on in your life today, I pray that you can express gratitude for something. Yep, something. It may not be the flashiest thing or the deepest, but I challenge you to find something for which you are grateful.

Throughout the month, I’d love to hear how this little gratitude practice feels for you. What are you discovering about yourself? Are you good at expressing gratitude? Or does it feel like a chore?

So, if this little gratitude challenge sounds interesting, please let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear what YOU think!

For the opportunity to challenge myself to express daily gratitude, I am thankful.

Blessings –
Dianne
Gracious God – May I feel encouraged to commit to a daily gratitude practice. Place it upon my heart how I can use such a practice to connect more deeply to myself, others and You. I pray that focusing on gratitude for the next 30 days will be personally gratifying and uplifting. Amen.

Looking for a bit of daily inspiration? Check out my daily affirmation posts on Facebook and Instagram (Dianne Deaton Vielhuber and Simple Words of Faith.)

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