I once knew a woman who seemed to be consumed with ingratitude. She had a husband who loved her, children who loved and served God, a lovely home, but all she seemed to be able to see in her life were the things she was unhappy about. It was as if she was blind to God's blessings in her life. It was a sad existence for a person who claimed to be a Jesus follower.
In my opinion, ingratitude is a sin. It is an accusation against God that He is not a good and caring Father. But, gratitude can be practiced and learned until it becomes a habit, a new mindset, a part of who you are. It starts by noticing and being thankful for the little things.
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Since 2009 I've been counting my blessings thanks to the prompting of Ann Voskamp.
I continue to count my thanks
piling up gratitude day by day
in my journal.
(and capturing some of my blessings via my camera or iPhone)
#9734-#9756
4-24-17-
-group texts between my hubs and I and all three of our girls
-the Lord is my shepherd
-the rain stopping during my walk
4-25-17-
-my hairstylist being able to squeeze me in for an appointment
-funny group texts with my friends
-a relaxing evening to write
4-26-17
-I believe I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living
-my granddaughter and I visiting with my youngest daughter when she was on her break at work
-my granddaughter getting her "Nana school" work done quickly today
-my hubs is home after a week away
4-27-17-
-a quiet morning to Bible journal and blog
-talking to and praying for a friend
-God's faithful work
4-28-17-
-breakfast with our youngest grandson
-a lazy, stay at home day off
-watercoloring
4-29-17-
-sunshine and birdsong on this early Saturday morning
-my times are in God's hands
-another wonderful baby shower for our youngest daughter
-our 8 year old granddaughter being so excited that she hit a bulls-eye in her archery class
4-30-17-
-a powerful message
-our oldest granddaughter's auction to raise money for Jude
-lunch with friends and family
still following,
#9734-#9756
4-24-17-
-group texts between my hubs and I and all three of our girls
-the Lord is my shepherd
-the rain stopping during my walk
4-25-17-
-my hairstylist being able to squeeze me in for an appointment
-funny group texts with my friends
-a relaxing evening to write
4-26-17
-I believe I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living
-my granddaughter and I visiting with my youngest daughter when she was on her break at work
-my granddaughter getting her "Nana school" work done quickly today
-my hubs is home after a week away
4-27-17-
-a quiet morning to Bible journal and blog
-talking to and praying for a friend
-God's faithful work
4-28-17-
-breakfast with our youngest grandson
-a lazy, stay at home day off
-watercoloring
4-29-17-
-sunshine and birdsong on this early Saturday morning
-my times are in God's hands
4-30-17-
-a powerful message
-our oldest granddaughter's auction to raise money for Jude
-lunch with friends and family
still following,
May God continue to bless your May days ♥
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you as well, Rebecca!
DeleteI have internet access after quite a few days without it so I can catch up with you, dear friend. I love the way God brings 'little' things into our lives to bless and encourage. Thank you, again, for sharing those things with us. You're always an encouragement to me!
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~ (written from HOT Phoenix, Arizona)
I sure miss you! I'm glad you are having fun, though!
DeleteAn ungrateful personality is one of the hardest types to deal with, I think. I pray the heart of that woman will be changed and that God will show her the truth of her existence. Your gratitude posts are so encouraging, Elizabeth! Keep sharing! Blessings on your day!
ReplyDeleteShe eventually got Alzheimer's and passed away. I'm not sure she ever recognized God's goodness in her life. Tragic.
DeleteElizabeth, this hits home with me if I canbe honest. Lately I've been struggling with a truly ugly bout of self-pity and ungratefulness. It should have no place in my wonderful life! It's not who I am and yet it's how I've found myself in my home with my family too often these days. I needed very much to find this and read it tonight. I believe the Lord led me here graciously for repentance. I am so thankful for you and your ministry here at your beautiful blog!! Reading your gratitude list is inspiring and so is your Bible journaling. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Leslie