“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

GRATITUDES

1. Kind & thoughtful words in the card I received yesterday from a friend

2. A few moments to slow down, eat lunch and talk with friends at work

3. Harvest Festival today at school-first time in three years

4. Sweet smell of my candle burning

5. Quiet, devotion time

The above list is my gratitude list from today. I spend a few minutes each morning reflecting and listing 5 simple things for which I am grateful. I began this practice many years ago at a time when I was allowing stress to make me sick. Who would have thought that such a simple task could help me so much. Taking the time to look for small gratitudes has allowed me to be more in tune to blessings as my day proceeds. It also affords me new perspectives.

Today’s scripture directs us to give thanks in all circumstances. Being in the habit of listing small, specific gratitudes has given me a new perspective on how to give thanks in all circumstances. No matter how difficult my struggles or challenges, I have learned there is also always something for which I can be thankful.

This Thankful Thursday I encourage you to slow down for a few moments and list 5 gratitudes. Don’t list the obvious like family, friends, job, etc. Instead, intentionally look for smaller, more unique blessings from yesterday or today. I trust that in practicing gratitude today, your mood will be lifted, your perspective may change, and you will be more in tune with the blessings of today.