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

If you have read our Water Walkers blog for a while or if you know me personally, you know that writing down 5 gratitudes each day is a daily habit I adopted years ago. Rachel Hollis also encourages this practice in the Last 90 Days Challenge.

Being intentional about writing down gratitudes helps to focus my attention on all the positives in my life instead of the negatives. Looking for gratitudes helps me to “give thanks in all circumstances.” Writing down 5 different gratitudes each day is a way to teach me to “rejoice always.” I have learned to look for not only bigger blessings like my family, friends, and work, but also smaller blessings such as time to sit with my sweet pup on my lap while I drink my morning cup of coffee.

Have you tried to practice writing down 5 different gratitudes each day? If not, can you commit to this practice for the last 90 days of 2023? I assure you that this habit will change your focus and outlook on life. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes to all I have to be thankful for and refocus my attention. Guide my thoughts as I learn to “rejoice always” and “give thanks in all circumstances.” In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.