For years I’ve complained while going through trials. Dug my heels in and whined to God the whole time I struggled with something. But often I would reach the end of the difficulty, look back and see the benefit of it – the blessing of it and lessons learned through it.
And I’d ask myself, “Why do I always wait until after the hardship is over to thank God? Will I ever learn to be thankful in the trials?” It seemed impossible. I’m a practical person and needed a practical solution.
Then I read the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. She speaks about worshiping God through having a thankful heart. And she dares her readers to count 1,000 gifts God has given them. An incredibly practical suggestion.
Nineteen months later I’ve journaled through 940 gifts and thankfulness has become much more of a habit in my life. The Bible speaks over and over of being thankful to God. Yet we struggle so much with even whining over the silliest things, like the weather.
I am learning on this journey that I can choose to be thankful in the trials without being happy about the trials, and that alters my whole attitude.
490. The way the cloudy day outside and the candles lit inside make it feel cozy and warm
491. Reminder of God’s grace in my reading this morning
732. Chocolate ice cream
733. A hug from Charles after we got through the tantrum
903. The sun shining in through the window
904. Date night with my husband
God is always giving, every moment of the day. Choosing to stop and see his gifts as tokens of his love changes our heart and we can bless him rather than cursing our circumstances.
This journey has changed not only me but my toddler as well. When we get in the car, we start naming gifts and even though it may have been a Battle Royale to get out of the house and into the car, our hearts change as we drive and I remember that we’re on the same team, living for the same God.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.Psalm 100:4-5
Thank you so much for writing this Elizabeth. This is definitely one I will go back to often.
Thanks, Nikki 🙂 It’s something I go back to often myself.
Liz that’s so encouraging! I’m going to start my list of 1000 now! I love that! He really does gift us everyday. I love looking at it like that! What a great season to bring this up. I may have to remind people to be thankful and notice Gods love and His daily gifts in my blog as well!