Abiding Monday

I have been reading, like many of you "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. And it is a marvelous book, but I have resisted beginning a gratitude journal because everybody else is doing it. I say to myself, "I know I am grateful..."

But...

My heart actually races and I get excited when I approach an "Anthropologie"  store.  Or an art or paper store.  Or even T. J. Max for goodness sake, for a new cool bag when I want my "fix" of instant happiness.

Does my heart race when I think of all God has done?  Does my heart race when I think of spending time with him? If I am completely honest...(and I need to be with myself and God in order to begin the process of repentance and healing) it does not.  

Then I read:

"A thankful attitude opens windows of heaven. Spiritual blessings fall freely onto you through those openings into eternity.(we are able to see them) Moreover, as you look up with a grateful heart, you get glimpses of Glory through those windows. You cannot yet live in heaven, but you can experience foretastes of your ultimate home. Such samples of heavenly fare revive your hope. Thankfulness opens you up to these experiences, which then provide further reasons to be grateful. Thus, your path becomes an upward spiral: ever increasing in gladness.

Thankfulness is not some sort of magic formula; it is the language of Love, which enables you to communicate intimately with Me. A thankful mind-set does not entail a denial of reality with its plethora of problems. Instead, it rejoices in Me, your Savior, in the midst of trials and tribulations. I am your refuge and strength, and ever-present and well-proved help in trouble." (Sarah Young)

Then I read Ann's post for today. Heck, how to help raise grateful old people too...

"Perspective can always adopt gratitude and gratitude always parents joy".

I want my joy to come from the Lord, a deep down joy, not a fleeting happiness that comes from some shiny new bauble. 

I am thinking I will begin a Gratitude Journal - today!