Daily Gratitude Diary - Day 1

Today I was inspired by 2 things to keep a diary of gratitude through Thanksgiving.  First, Middle Name Marie is doing her 2nd annual "30 Days of Thanks" on her blog, which reminded me last year & again this year when I read today's 1st post that I have so many things to be thankful for.  The second thing that inspired me was from my Women of Faith Daily Devotional.  Each month has a theme & November's theme is (surprise!) - Gratitude.  Sorry for the length of this, but it just really resonated with me as I read it today:

"Gratitude is a mighty force.  It can change the whole landscape of our lives. It can take a situation that seems dead or hopeless and infuse it with light and life.  Mostly, practicing giving thanks in all things changes us.  It is a worthy habit to pursue.

Time after time in the Word of God we are called to give thanks.  Not only is God more than worthy of our grateful hearts, but the very act of thanksgiving also reminds us of who we are and who he is.  Every breath we take comes from him.  Every good thought we have is a gift from him.  When we lie down at night and sleep in peace, it is because of him.  When we rise up and we are still with him, it is a gift.  Gratitude is like laughter:  It is internal medicine.

As we turn our hearts toward God in thanks, we turn our hearts toward each other too.  We begin to noice simple kindnesses and receive them.  The attitude of gratitude is a welcoming invitation to a party that never ends." - Sheila Walsh, The Women of Faith Daily Devotional

So - I am going to "practice giving thanks in all things" & look for the simple kindnesses & goodnesses that are in my life each day. 

Today - I am thankful for daily walks with my husband.  We've been walking together for the last 14 years & it is truly a special and important time for me each day we get to do it.  I'm grateful for all the long talks, the advice offered, and support given on so many of these walks.  I hope that we'll be able to continue walking together for many, many, many more years.  There are days that are incredibly hot & muggy when I don't want to go.  There are days, like those ahead of us now, that are freezing & windy & pure misery, and I don't want to go.  However, I'm always grateful once we get started that we have the time and the ability to spend time together this way.