giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:20 ESV
You woke up with air in your lungs, blood in your veins and a heart that’s been beating long before you opened your eyes. Now, that’s something to shout about, if not at least to whisper a small thank you to the One Who made it all possible.
Does there have to be a loud parade with confetti and horns to cause us to remember that GOD makes it possible to rise in the morning to see the skies, hear the birds, smell the grass, watch the leaves move with the breeze?
I’ve come to a small realization that my first assignment everyday is to give praise. No matter what the circumstances may look like — because let’s face it, Friend, they’re not going away any time soon. They’ll simply change the way they appear to us.
When I do start my day with praise on my lips, it’s usually because I went to bed with praise on my mind and in my heart. Thankfulness in the morning as you open the day, thankfulness in the evening when I close the day. Pretty simple.
Those are the bookends of my day. Gratitude will elevate the attitude. A sweet something for others to experience and enjoy (it can be contagious) ultimately becomes a blessing to others. A peaceful way to end the day that leads to more restful sleep because I’ve dealt with the hard stuff in prayer.
I get it if you’re walking through a rough season, Friend. I’m familiar with those paths in life when it feels as though no one really understands your pain or if you’re too embarrassed to share your pain with others. Don’t let that wedge between you and your Savior Who is calling out to you when you’re feeling more like running away to hide. That’s when you dig your heels firmly into the soil of faith and take deeper root into trusting Him.
And yet, at the lowest point and in my darkest corner, I know that Jesus sees me. He sees you right now. He always has and always will. You have that to be thankful for. He sees you with love in His Eyes.
I invite you, Friend, to grab something to capture at least five things that you are thankful for at this very moment. You can use your smart phone camera if you don’t feel like writing. You can open the notes in the same phone and jot down these things that are running through your mind. You can even dictate them into your voice recorder. Or, if you’re old skool and like the feel of watching your hand write those words onto paper, grab your favorite pen and your journal. You could even draw or sketch your thoughts onto your journal pages. I’ve given you a head start. Your list may also include a bed to sleep in, a roof over your head, intelligence to do the work placed in front of you, the physical ability to walk without assistance, the gift to be able to care for others, the strength to pull the weeds in your garden, the mindfulness to think of those who cannot speak for themselves. The list is endless.
Go there and then go to GOD with that list every day you have time with Him. Begin your day with it and end your day adding to it.
I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~
LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary
Titus Two 