Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Luke 17:11-19 NIV — Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

God blesses us in so many ways every day. Not only do we have big things to be thankful for such as family, friends, jobs, health, etc., but we also have moment-to-moment blessings. We often overlook these blessings because we are so caught up in our busy schedules. However when we are not present and intentional about looking for blessings we zoom on through life without giving thanks to God just like the nine lepers. This week I am sharing with you my experience with journaling and the benefits I have found with journaling. Today I share my practice of keeping a gratitude journal.

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. The one leper showed his gratitude by coming back, throwing himself at Jesus’ feet and praising Jesus. Years ago I chose a small notebook to be my gratitude journal and wrote down five gratitudes at the end of the day as I would wind down. Over the years I have changed and now write my gratitudes each morning as I end my devotion time with God. I write my gratitudes in addition to my thoughts and prayer journaling. The time of day you choose to write down your gratitudes is not important. Write them down on a piece of paper or in the notes on your phone. However I must warn you, creating the habit of this daily practice will change your perspective and your attitude. Before you know it people may accuse you of having an “attitude of gratitude.”

Let’s pray. Dear God, guide and direct me as I write down my thoughts with You. May the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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