One Thousand Gifts

 
 In the mornings, after devotions, the ladies in my family are reading a book called - One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to LIVE FULLY Right where you are, by Ann Voskamp.

We are only about 5 chapters into it, but so far, it is amazing! I have been so challenged by what we have read already. It is much to deep for me to try to explain here, so just get the book and read it. :) The title of the book comes from a list the author was challenged to make; one thousand things you are thankful for. Which brings me to the reason for this post. I have started my own list, in an effort to learn the language of thankfulness. Don't worry, I am not going to put one thousand things here for you to read, I haven't even made it half way to that number. But I want to challenge all of you to at least ponder all the blessings of everyday life that we often overlook. The things that we take for granted, but would miss terribly if God had not given them to us. And maybe, just maybe, you might want to start a list of your own. :)

 Ann's list was very specific. She included all the "little things", the simple pleasures in life, as well as the big ones.

 So, here is the beginnings of my list. It's not in order,or anything so organized as that. I just wrote as the thoughts came to me.

 Bare feet on soft grass
The smell of homemade bread baking
 Blue; the color of my cool, inviting bedroom
 Laughter ringing through the house
 Long, quiet conversations with the love of my life, Jesus.
 Dad's strong, work-worn hands
 Love; so amazing, so divine
 Wearing flip-flops with my toes painted 
 Long, personal conversations with my best friends
 Sunny, yellow daffodils 
 Blue sky with no clouds in sight
 Long, rich brown hair
 Mom's ever-ready advice
 Little sisters who love you no matter what
 Big, dark brown eyes
 Doing chores and singing my heart out
 Music filling my soul

 Well, that's all I'll share for now. I hope this has encouraged you to learn that language of  Eucharisteo, life filling gratitude.  Start your list today. Believe me, it will make you smile! :)