It has been a little over a year since I started making a list of things I am thankful and grateful for in the morning.
About 3-4 times per week I wake up, flip on the lamp, and start my list.
It is pretty amazing how this one habit can change your life. When tough times come, trouble is a little bit easier to handle. When “bad” days strike, it is easier to bounce back. By the way, “bad” days will start to take on a new meaning. Suddenly, despite no real change in your circumstances, you have fewer “bad” days. You may even complain less. It is a by-product of gratitude!
Each day’s list was a little different, but looking back is a great reminder of the many, many blessings I have received.
Here are a few of the things I wrote down:
- My marriage
- My husband
- Our wedding anniversary
- Date night
- Good health for us and our kids and family
- Sleeping in
- Waking up early for quiet time
- Safe travels
- Family dinners
- Our hot tub
- Pretty sunrises/sunsets
- Gift of sight and sound
- Forgiveness
- Running water and electricity
- Toilets and toilet paper (Am I wrong??)
- My parents and in-laws
- Vacation
- My dogs
- Our fireplace
- Good neighbors
- Being able to walk and exercise
- Freedom
- God’s grace
- Pillows and blankets
- Herbs and medicine
- Watching my kids play sports
- Hugs and kisses
- Eyeglasses
- Doctors and hospitals
- Answered prayers
- Mentors
- Hearing our kids laugh
- Babysitters
- Time with family and friends
- Food
- Our house and the property it sits on
- Sounds of the country (even the creepy coyotes)
- Down time
- Our church
- The gift of Jesus
- Safe schools for our kids
- Rainy days to be lazy
- Lunch with friends
- Alone time with each kid
- Friends
- Technology
- Eternal promises
- Well paying jobs with flexible schedules
- A reliable vehicle
- Long weekends
- Our kids coaches and teachers
- Money in the bank
- Holidays spent with family
- Sunshine
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- My blog
- Celebrating our kids’ birthdays
- Dishwasher and washer/dryer
- Yoga
- Fall colors
- Air conditioning
- Deep breaths
Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Nothing is too small to be listed.
We do so many things each day without a second thought – things we wouldn’t notice until they are gone.
Be grateful and thankful.
Don’t take anything for granted.
Count your blessings.
Better yet-make a list of them!