I’m reading Ann’s book for the second time.
She’s right.
Sometimes writing the list, it seems overly simple.
Sometimes I’m writing the gratitude and forgetting to say the thanks personally to the Giver of all good gifts.
Sometimes it’s easy to wonder if it is really, has really, made any difference.
Ann quotes the apostle Paul who said he learned to give thanks in all things.
Learning takes practice, takes replacing an old habit, ingratitude, with a new habit, gratitude.
Me, it’s helping me, teaching me to focus on the praiseworthy things.
The old habit of focusing on the things I wish would change about circumstances or people, being slowly and surely replaced by focusing on the praiseworthy things.
It’s a process, sometimes a slow process, but at least I’m moving in the right direction.
***********
I continue to count my thanks
piling up gratitude day by day
in my little green journal.
#1412-#1419
-shopping with youngest granddaughter for some rainboots for her
-looking for puddles to jump in afterwards
-overnight, it seems, the birch trees have turned yellow
-first cold night of the season, snuggling under the Hub’s Grandma’s wool quilt on our bed
-driving back and forth on beautiful Marine Drive to our minister’s conference this week
-real hot chocolate, not instant
-our rotted back deck demolished and hauled away
-new paver stone patio going in it’s place thanks to our dear friend
Gratefully yours,
Elizabeth
It's easy to write the list, but not always as easy to truly remember to give the thanks. I will make this my focus this week. Love your list and your photos!
ReplyDeleteLove this book! I'm on my second read too and am so thankful for such an inspiring book!
ReplyDeleteKeep counting!
Tammy:)
I agree, the list is one thing. How gratitude changes your attitude about your life and God is something else. God knows our hearts.
ReplyDeleteLoved the book and have been wanting to re-read it but I keep loaning my copy out! The quote you put in the frame was one that I pondered and thought about for a long time when I read it.
ReplyDeleteNeed to get back to my 1000 gifts journal- so many blessings to record but I have somehwo missplaced my book!
I agree, you can't just write the list...you have to be mindful about what you are doing, but at the same time realize that change takes time.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, and I love your thought about learning to give thanks. So thankful for a patient Teacher.
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures...I have lost count how many times I have read Ann's book...I needed some real soaking...every time...it speaks right to where I am...each time...different truths just pop out...
ReplyDeleteBlessings as you read and count...