A Thousand Thanks
By Susan Klein
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ
Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
A few years ago, I
gave a small journal to a young woman leaving for college. I told her to use it
as a Gratitude Journal. I exhorted, “When things get tough at school, or
you’ve just had a bad day, take time before you go to bed and journal something
you are thankful for. It’ll really help!” My intent was to help keep her focus
on the Giver of all good things and not on difficult circumstances.
A few years ago, in
our family and friend circle, I saw several people die and there were some who were
just clinging to life. There had been a few too many “bad days.” Around
Thanksgiving, I decided to heed my own advice and start a Gratitude Journal.
My goal was to write one thousand things that I am thankful for - - without
repeating any. It didn’t seem like such a daunting task at first.
Most days I’d open
the journal and easily come up with a dozen or more. As time passed, and not
wanting any duplicates, I found I had to think a little harder in order to come
up with new ones. Admittedly, some days I wasn’t “feeling” the gratefulness,
and the journal remained out of sight. But on those days when grief was most consuming
and I made the effort to pull out the journal (in spite of my feelings), it
became a balm to my soul!
The enemy has a hard
time doing his work when our minds are fixed upon the God of compassion who
gives good gifts to His children. Even if I struggled to think of something new
to jot down, just reading over the things I had previously written was
encouragement for my weary heart.
I’m still working on
that journal. I actually have a long way to go yet, but there is great joy in
the journey! I’ve become much more attuned to things (and people) in my life
which invoke thankfulness. When I see something new, I tuck it away in my mind
to record the next morning. Truthfully, while I’ll definitely celebrate
reaching the goal of one thousand things, I don’t know if I really want to
reach it. I kind of like keeping this mindfulness of “looking for” things to be
grateful for.
I suppose the
journey could continue indefinitely…want to join me?
GOING DEEPER:
1. Will you commit to being more
mindful of things God has blessed you with, and then will you share them with
Him?
FURTHER
READING:
Susan
is married to Mark, and co-leads an in-home small group. She serves as a mentor
to young women, and is a member of Oakwood’s Peace Team, helping people work
through conflict.
