Theme:   A Surprising Key to Getting Unstuck - Gratitude versus Entitlement

This eDevotional was written by a volunteer from Timberlake Church. 

READ:  1 Thessalonians  5:16-18; Psalm 100:4

THINK: In February of 2011 I began a Gratitude Journal. As a response to the book, “1000 Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are” by author Ann Voskamp, I began writing down everything I’m thankful for. My goal is to reach 1000 things- gifts, if you will. Gifts that I receive on a daily basis that I chose to notice and record. Today, I am on #492- almost half way there! I try to write a couple every day, so recognizing and recording things I’m grateful for has become a daily exercise.   Here are some of the things that have made my list:

#7 “good baby sitters,”

#22 “Angry Birds App that makes me laugh,”

#84 “stellar blue jays making a nest in our back yard,”

#92 “Snow day with children,”

#184 “naps,”

#204 “answered prayers, better than what I asked for,”

#256 “friends believing in me and helping me fulfill my purpose,”

#272 “story of Nicodemas, and that it’s never too late to come to Jesus.”

Over the last 10 months, I’ve noticed my perspective slowly changing. I have slowed down to notice the good things in life. I am able to stay “in the moment” without regretting the past or worrying about the future. I am content with the things I have, and less concerned about the things I don’t have. I’ve better prioritized things I truly value in life as opposed to the things that just waste my time. Forcing myself to daily recognize and record blessings, has changed the way I see God. It’s changed the way I see myself. I see God as an active participant in providing the things I need, the things I love, and the things that make me more like Him. I see myself as a loved and cherished child of God enjoying the abundance of a Good Father.

Since I’ve slowed down to recognize God’s hand of kindness in my life, I’ve been astounded at just how much he knows me and loves me. He selects each gift, each blessing, each lesson, and word to fill the particular hole I happen to have that day.

Now I don’t mean to say that 2011 was empty of challenges, disappointments and losses. It’s just that these things didn’t hold the same weight. Giving thanks caused me to worry less. Worry restricts my creativity and options, but thankfulness gives me freedom. What if the key to a happy, successful life had to do with our receptivity and thanksgiving of blessing?

DO: Recognize and express gratitude for the big and small things.  Then start your own list of things you’re grateful for, and make 2012 a year of giving thanks for God’s ever present hand in your life.

PRAY: God, You are the source of all the good things in my life and today I simply come before You to say thank you. I am grateful for all you’ve given, for your care, comfort, grace, provision… The list goes on and on! But most of all I am thankful for the gift of Your Son who leads me to You and makes me right with You. Amen.