I have recently read Ann Voskamp‘s book One Thousand Gifts. I know, I know – it came out several years ago and most of you have probably already read it. It’s been on my kindle for years but for whatever reason, I just never picked it up. But this summer I decided to read it, and I’m trusting that the Lord laid it on my heart for this particular season in our lives. Because let’s face it – life has been pretty stressful lately with house building and Peter in physical therapy school and finances and adoption. And because of all the stress, I’ve been irritable, losing my temper with my kids.
I want to be more mindful, more thankful, as we slow down during our final weeks of summer. Because truthfully, I could easily focus on all the negative and forget about all that God is working behind the scenes.
The basic premise of One Thousand Gifts is that we should be giving thanks to God for all of our blessings, and it follows Ann’s journey as she writes down 1000 blessings over the course of about a year. Ann’s writing has depth and beauty beyond anything I’ve ever read and I had to take time to process so much of what she shared in this book.
As I read through One Thousand Gifts, I was struck anew with the reminder that God tells us all throughout His Word to give thanks. It’s not a suggestion – it’s a command. And when we focus on our blessings instead of our inconveniences, we can see His handiwork in our lives on a greater scale.
As I read the Holy Scriptures, I rediscovered God’s plan for our lives.
Psalm 107:1 (NIV) -“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Colossians 4:2 – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Colossians 3:15 – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Psalm 69:30 –“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”
Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Psalm 100:4 – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”
And y’all. I could literally go on and on. We are called to give thanks in all circumstances. No matter what we are going through. In the good times and in the bad. On the mountaintops and in the valleys.
But why is it so difficult to focus on our blessings? I believe that our minds just naturally go towards the negative. Or at least mine does. It’s so much easier to dwell on the things that are stressful or inconvenient and forget about all the many things we have to be grateful for.
Lately I’ve been writing down things that I’m thankful for – things the Lord shows me during my mundane everyday life. I may not get to 1000 things but I’m determined not to lose sight of all the good in my life. Here are just a few from the past days:
- warm coffee in a quiet house
- belly laughs
- sweaty little arms wrapped around my neck
- the pitter patter of little feet
- texts from my teen saying she loves me
- chocolate ice cream mustaches
As I take stock of so many little things, I realize they all add up to the life I want. The life I dreamed of. When I focus on my blessings, I can actually live the life I want. The life God has planned for me.
I want to challenge you to count your blessings too. Don’t be shy – list a few for me to see! And I would love to hear how your perspective changes as you focus on the good in your life.