Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Gratitude As A Habit

Since early February, I've been documenting a list of things I am grateful for. The huge, slap-me-in-the-face-I-can't-believe-this-is-my-life gifts and the tiny, rarely-noticed kindnesses God puts in my path on a daily basis.

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When I read the Bible, I'm blown away by all the times God commands us to be thankful. So I'm trying to cultivate that attitude as a habit. Nothing gets me out of a funk faster than simply telling God (sometimes outloud!) thanks for whatever comes to mind in the moment. Talk about a perspective adjuster.

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Today I'm seeing God's goodness in: 

1. The note my husband left on my to-do list.

2. Squishy's book-reading routine, complete with a blanket, a pillow, a sippy cup, a book, and me. 

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3. Little boy clothes mixed in with the laundry.

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4. A husband who is patient when I doubt.

5. Potty-training progress.

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6. A neighbor to go on morning walks with.

7. Skype for talking to a sister in London.

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8. Kicks on my bladder.

9. Borrowed maternity clothes.

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10. A new morning, a fresh start, and a sleeping little boy.

What are you thankful for today?



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12 comments:

  1. I love how you mentioned your pregnancy. Number 8 is precious.

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  2. I love your list. :) Sometimes, on the difficult days, I go over my list and suddenly things are much brighter. Sounds cliche, but so true!

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  3. Love the pics of you and Squishy!! Precious!

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  4. You look beautiful my friend. Simply beautiful!

    I'm thankful for my active girls. Neighbors with espresso makers. And meeting new people at the library.

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  5. What a great list! I'm thinking to start doing this too because I think I complain way more than I should. Today I am thankful for my MOPS community.

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  6. Love your list of thanks. I, too, am thankful for a forgiving, patient husband. Amen.

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  7. Do you have any idea how inspiring you are? This is a beautiful post. Thanks for writing!

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  8. I've been thinking about the importance of gratefulness as well recently. Your list made me smile! Especially the note on the to do-list, bladder kicks & Skype ones. ;)

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  9. Alicia, this is beautiful! I have to share - sometime early in our marriage (year 3, I think), I developed a similar list. We were in a rough spot & I took God's words about thankfulness (& not complaining!) seriously. I made a list of 100 things I was thankful for in our marriage & in my hubby. If I started feeling frustrated, angry, etc...I would pray through parts of that list. Not only did it change my perspective but it changed our marriage. Thank God for giving us the ability to be thankful!

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  10. So much to be thankful for! I'm thankful for my husband (whose birthday was yesterday), that as of this month we have maternity insurance coverage, and for borrowed maternity and baby clothes too. My worries about being ready for our next child were rebuked quite convincingly!

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  11. Everyday I try to think of three things that made me happy that day. It's little moments. Yesterday I saw my four year old daughter in a school performance; tears in my eyes! And I bought a concertticket for my husband for a sold-out concert. I was so happy all day long that I could make him happy! There are moments of golden light in EVERY day! Thanks for posting yours...Love Amelie

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  12. I need SEVERAL reminders that I am to be thankful to God for many things in my life. I have more than I need, but unfortunately, I still find myself grumbling and complaining.

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