For several years now, I’ve followed a November tradition introduced to me by my friend, Cathy Strawhorn. It has changed my life. It’s a simple, but eye-opening exercise. Beginning November 1 and continuing through November 30, I journal five things a day I’m thankful for.
That might not sound like a life-changing event, but here’s the caveat: I can’t repeat anything I’m thankful for during that entire period of time. That’s what makes it life-changing.
Perhaps your prayers of thanks are often like mine. It’s easy to remember to thank God for salvation and family and food and lodging and jobs and money and church and health and warmth and friends. But what then?
What I discover year after year is that after about two weeks, after thanking Him for the obvious blessings of life, I’m suddenly faced with searching for the other many blessings that surround me everyday. The kindness of a stranger, the parking space in a crowded lot, an unexpected note from a friend.
When I force myself to truly open my eyes and notice those blessings He bestows day after day, I’m amazed at all I’ve been missing. I’m more in awe of Him and His love for me. And I remember, again, how blessed I am.
The journal can be online or you can actually create a handwritten Journal of Thanks, preserved as a testimony for generations to come.
So will you join me? Each day from November 1 through November 30, I’ll be listing five things I’m thankful for on Facebook. You can join in at https://www.facebook.com/vondaskelton. Or you can start your own on your own Facebook page. Or you can write it in the privacy of your journal.
It doesn’t matter how you keep a record, just take the time to really say–and mean–Thank you, Lord. You will be blessed and you will bless the Lord!
What a great idea! I’m a few days late but I’m going to start. I’ve got a journal by my rocker that will work just fine. I just might have to keep going into December!
I’m glad it encouraged you, Sherry! I do it every November and am consistently surprised to see how many blessings I miss because I’m not looking for them! Happy Thanksgiving–all month long!
I like this Vonda. In my Facebook circles people post something they are thankful for each day of November. But 5 in a day?! Now that’s a challenge. I have a book called “Ten Thousand Things to Praise God For”… that should get me started. 🙂
Hi Debbie! Yes, 5 things really makes me look for the blessings that are all around me every day. It’s easy to thank Him for the usual stuff, but once I’m through them, then I have to have thanksgiving on my radar to realize how much more He does for me. Thanks for joining in!