In 2014 on September 1st, I began to keep a journal of one blessing in my life each day (inspired by Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts Devotional). The first line that I wrote down that day was this:
"Sunny & breezy morning jog around the C. loop. Helen:)"
As you can see, on the first day I found it difficult to limit myself to one thing that I counted as a gift. Each day that followed I found myself writing down at least one thing, and I was happy to reflect on my day or search for something throughout the day. When I began to practice looking for a gift each day, I realized that my attitude about life began to feel more optimistic and joyous. Even on a boring or frustrating day, I would stop at the end of the day to find one thing that I was thankful for, made me smile, or I could count as a blessing.
Throughout my life, I definitely have struggled to stick with disciplines such as this each day (it's so easy to forget to keep practicing something). However, this was something I looked forward to and I found it easy to stick to. If I did happen to miss a day, I would just remember what was special about that day and write it down at my earliest convenience (which is a good way to make sure my memory is functioning properly and show myself grace).
I want to encourage you to give this a shot as well! I began as I stated above, and I had the goal in mind to count 1000 gifts in my life one day at a time (and one line at a time). I helped myself stay on track by writing the date for each first of the month and using paper numbering each line from 1 to 1000.
You'll see that there are countless things to be thankful for such as: safety, nature, people, food, activities, and rest. Before you get started, I would like to describe some of the things I wrote about in my journal list of blessed, daily gifts.
My family and the opportunity to travel with them. Our travel experiences have allowed me to see various parts of the United States and its neighboring countries. Yet, even in the my small town community or my Grand Rapids community, I am able to see the quaint shops and parks that I would want visitors to appreciate. Wherever I am, I try to soak up the scenery and the people to fully be present and be grateful for the place that my feet have lead me.
Calvin College is a place that I can say I have found out more about myself and what I want to do in the future. The education I have obtained and the opportunities that I have been given constantly amaze me. God has really made Himself evident on the campus through professors, friends, and financial provision.
My job at Fresh Thyme Farmers Market is surely a blessing because it provides a means of income to pay for my education and other expenses. I have the pleasure of talking with people from all over the world each day and working alongside some wonderful people.
I am blessed with a warm home (although it could be warmer in the winter months), there are countless people who cannot say the same. When I feel myself starting to become negative I remember that I am blessed to even have a roof over my head with belongings in that fill up each room.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. - James 1:17
So, each page of my journal looks something like the picture above, filled with a mixture of handwriting and memories. I still have not finished writing down 1000 gifts, but Ann Voskamp said that when she wrote down her thousandth gift, she wanted to keep writing more. There is something about finding the gift that has been given to you each day that makes life more exciting and enjoyable because you see how God blesses you each day. I hope that is exactly what happens for you ... and so much more.
