Unquarantined: Draw Near (Day 8)

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#18 Free Bubble Bonanza tickets
#19 No school on Monday
#20 Get to speak at church on Sunday
#22 A friend paid for my cute shirt
#23 Sappy Christmas movies

I fell off the grateful wagon sometime after #23.

A few months ago, a speaker at a local women’s retreat inspired me to make an ongoing list of reasons why I am grateful. It was a great idea! Gratefulness has a way of quieting a restless spirit, of teaching us to be content no matter the circumstances.

I remember starting out with the best of intentions. I’m not even sure when or why I stopped adding to my list. It just got pushed to the back burner of a busy life, I suppose.

I wouldn’t categorize my life over the past several months as ungrateful (at least I hope not), but edgy and unsettled probably aren’t too far from the truth. I certainly haven’t been going out of my way to find things to be thankful for.

Now, my life–like that of most Americans–is totally different than it was a couple of weeks ago. Sudden shifts in the status quo have a way of shifting perspectives too. It’s funny how things change.

If I were to pick up where I left off, my list might look like this:

(Mental note to reconsider #19. Ha!)

#24 Fresh air and good weather
#25 Walmart restocked AJ’s formula
#26 Facebook is hilarious right now
#27 Jesus isn’t scared of COVID-19
#28 My kids’ teachers care enough to plan well for online learning

“I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.”–Psalm 9:1 (ESV)

God, I have so many reasons to be grateful. In my busyness and distraction, I forgot, and I’m sorry. Thank You for the forgiveness that I find in You. I come to You now, thankful for the many ways You have blessed my life. I see the fingerprints of Your grace and mercy all around. You have been so patient with me and are always faithful to provide what I need in every area of life, even surprising me with unexpected gifts, just to say, “I love you.” You are so very good to me. I pray that my heart and life will be reshaped by gratitude. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Day 8: Today, find a creative way to document your gratitude. Write a letter or make a photo collage. Record a video or paint “grateful” rocks to scatter in your flower beds.

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