1,000 Gifts

The past several months I have been writing a few things I’m thankful for (almost) everyday. Ann Voskamp‘s book 1,000 Gifts Devotional helped me in this endeavor and it has changed my everyday perspective. Every morning before the kids wake and I heat up the oatmeal, I scribble a few things I’m thankful for in Ann’s devotional book. I just finished up 1,000 things a few days ago and it seems so big and so small at the same time.

I have way more than 1,000 things to be thankful for in this life. But, it has been a start, a way of remembering, noticing, and taking a moment to say ‘thank you’ for the good things all around me. It has helped start my day in a hopeful way. Noticing the branches outside swaying in the wind or the fuzzy blanket on my toes or the pink and red sorbet sunrise has allowed me to focus my mind on the good and the beautiful and the worthy.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Even though the lines in my devotional book are full, I believe I will keep this habit going. I’m not sure if it will be in a notebook or in the Notes app on my phone, but I believe there is power in the noticing and naming of the gifts.

Two psychologists, Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami, have done some research on the topic of gratitude. In one of their studies, they asked participants to write a few sentences each week, focusing on particular topics.

One group wrote about things they were thankful for that had occurred during the week. One group wrote about daily irritations and another group wrote about events that had affected them. After 10 weeks, those who wrote about what they were thankful for were more optimistic and felt better about their lives.

It seems there is no reason for me to give up counting and noticing the gifts in my life, as it can contribute to my overall happiness and well being.

Tell me, do you set aside time to be grateful on a regular basis?