I used to be the thankful guru. After reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp and starting my own gratitude journal, I was sold on thankfulness being the key to joyfulness. It was a very eye opening season for me and one that I hope to not forget. So, in the spirit of remembrance, I’ve trying to recapture the flame of thankfulness in my life. It started with a short Bible reading plan that focused on thankfulness and I’ve moved on to re-watching the One Thousand Gifts DVD study. I’ve been viewing my week in light of thankfulness and here are a few thoughts that I’ve been pondering.
It’s been a good week. One for the record books – in big and small ways. This last week we had Family VBA at our church. For four nights families came together to talk about God, pray together and have a lot of fun. It’s a great opportunity for parents to lead their children in matters of faith. I truly love the format we use and it’s been such a joy to watch the fruit of this ministry. On top of a great week at church, we also dinners offered before the evening event started so I didn’t have to make dinner all week long. That’s a true blessing!
This week my father had surgery to help correct a condition that has been bothering his heart. His surgery went textbook and I got to visit him shortly after he got out. He had great color and seemed in good spirits. Dad was released from the hospital with a good report and has jumped back into his everyday life. I’m so thankful! God has been good and I’m excited to see my father’s health improve.
I’ve gotten to spend time with my hubby and Owen this week and time with some out-of-town family. I’ve gone shopping and purchased some much needed items (and somethings just for fun). Things are good. Really good. However… discontentment finds a way to slip in. In so many small ways, I found myself being derailed this week. It’s so easy to complain, even if it’s just in my mind. It’s amazing how easy it is to grumble. There is always a tension between thankfulness and discontentment. I unintentionally look at my life and say yes, it’s good, but here are all the ways it could be better.
When I found myself being thrown off track this week, I started my own mental gratitude journal. It’s a mental list I go over as a reminder of how good things really are it. This list helps to right my train of thought. It usually goes like this:
I have a roof over my head. I have food in my pantry. I have clothes on my back and in my closet. I have warm blankets on my bed. I have a husband and son that I love and who love me. We are all relatively healthy. We have all we need and way more. We have vehicles and baby toys and a great job that provides for our family. We are surrounded by family and friends who love us and want us to succeed, etc.
This list continues until I’ve talked myself off my discontentment ledge. It’s annoying how easily my thoughts turn negative. I’m trying my best to take these those captive and send them way. I want to replace them with thankfulness. God is good. I am beyond blessed. I am thankful!
Amy Scott's Thoughts 