Gratitude Begins With Awareness
Daily Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances…”
Reflect:
Everything begins with noticing. Before we can thank God, we must slow down enough to recognize His goodness in our everyday lives. Start a journal today and write these things down.
Growth Exercise:
Write a list of 10 things God has done for you so far this year. Include small and big blessings. Feel free to share and witness in the chat below.
Take-Action Activity:
Text or call one person to say “I appreciate you” and tell them why. Share below how Day 1 activities impacted you. Let us encourage each other.
2 Responses
This year has been a rollercoaster filled with ups and downs. However, God has been in the seat next to me… holding my hand through the entire ride.
1. My father remains in remission from his prostate cancer and is showing signs of healing from a damaged central nervous system. His mental health has also greatly improved.
2. My bond with my mother has been renewed and flourishing.
3. I was accepted and began my PhD program. Although stressful at times, God has helped me power through. Before, I would hold myself to an impossible standard of perfection and regularly be disappointed in my results. Now? I give myself grace and understand that I am still learning.
4. God has helped me distinguish His voice from my own thoughts, helping me think clearly and make my actions more in line with His Word.
5. God has helped me better understand my emotions and mental health. As someone with depression and anxiety, my mind tends to go 100 miles per minute. But with God, I’m able to slow down and let Him speak and provide direction.
6. God has ensured my financial responsibilities remain handled, despite having a huge pay cut when I transitioned from being an adjunct professor to a student.
7. God guided the medical professionals who performed a successful fibroid and endometriosis removal, and proceeded to bless my healing process from this surgery and my knee surgery last December. I’m now able to live with less physical pain.
8. NO EFFORT PARKING SPOTS! Although little, I thank God for the convenience.
9. Traveling mercies in the air and on the road.
10. Shelter, access to food, clean water, clothes, etc. Many necessities are taken for granted, so I regularly thank God for allowing me to live in the situation I do. With His blessings, I’ve been able to share the love with others when I am able. I try to bring packs of water, protein-filled foods, and toiletries to the homeless population in the city. It may not be much, but everyone deserves someone who cares about their well-being and nutrition.
Yes! Thank you for sharing your reflections and inspiring others. God is great in the big and small things!