Thanksgiving Day is behind us and a new year is fast approaching. As I have been reading “One Thousand Gifts - A Dare To Live Fully Where You Are” by Ann Voskamp, I have been challenged to live out the Scriptures listed at the bottom of this article in new and transformational ways.
I have found that it takes continual practice to develop a habit of thanksgiving as our world pushes us in exactly the opposite direction. Often times it is hard for me to keep engaged in this practice long enough to allow it to develop into a habit. Yet, as I keep practicing, I find my heart transformed, my life transformed by recognizing and celebrating God’s grace in each moment.
The practice that Ann invites us into is literally counting the everyday gifts we have received - all the way up to 1,000 and beyond - counting all that God gives us. I am experiencing this practice transforming my focus beyond the burdens and struggles of my life to God’s blessings in the now!
As you turn over your calendar to a new year, I invite you to begin a new practice. Each day write down all the things that you are thankful for. What gifts has God given you today, this moment - big and small? Can you get to 1,000? Write them down, read them over, share them with a friend and in so doing discover that you are truly loved by God.
May this new practice of counting the gifts God is blessing you with begin waking you to find yourself loved, treasured, and showered with gifts by God.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5v18
“Finally, my brothers and sisters, always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kinds of things.” Philippians 4v8
For more information visit - www.onethousandgifts.com and www.aholyexperience.com
No comments:
Post a Comment