There are these little places within me that often feel discontent. Or critical. Or whiney. And I am beginning to realize that I need to focus way more on being thankful than I do. It's like a new skill I have to work on. And practice over and over.
" The secret to having it all.......is knowing that you already do."
Isn't that a great statement? I read it on a blog several weeks ago and loved it so much I put it in the notes section of my iphone to remember to share it with you. I also, am currently in the midst of reading a book called " One Thousand Gifts." In the book the author says this......,
" Today, when stress mounts, I pray to dismount it with gratitude. I can only feel one feeling at a time, and I choose to give thanks at all times. Fight feeling with feeling!" (Ann Voskamp)
I love that quote too. Why oh why, do I let complaining sometimes rule a part of my heart? Or stress dominate my body? I know that God knew this would be a problem in our hearts, and that's why He tells us to be thankful over and over through the scriptures. I have a ways to go on this .
I have a little book I am reading to my girls every morning at breakfast called " Give Thanks". It has little prayers for everyday blessings in it, about all the mundane things in life that we do ( like waking up on a Monday, or taking the trash out, or making your bed, etc.)......and turning those things into a thankful prayer. I am asking the girls to "stretch" their answers when I ask the question " what are you thankful for?" It's been sweet watching them come up with things other than the usual ( My family, friends, bed etc. ), like......" books for learning", or "ears to hear and eyes that see". I am choosing to do my verse from October again this month.
2 Chronicles 23:30
"......to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord and likewise at evening......".
If you could see into my thought life, you'd either relate to me......or gulp,...... be embarrassed for me in the times I am "complainey". I have so much more growing to do in this area. " Oh Lord, help me to become a thankful girl in the midst of whatever comes my way throughout my day. Let my heart be full of gratitude that comes from You." When you post your verse.........want to share some things you are thankful for? I know I am thankful for you, my girlfirends!
