Founders Note: Today on the blog we have guest post from Samantha on this month's theme Gratitude. You can learn more about Samantha and her blog in the bio at the end of the post.
It’s true what they say, “the grass is always greener on the
other side.” I’ve found myself countless times, wishing and hoping for things I
don’t have. Some days, it’s so much easier to be unappreciative or ungrateful
of my life.
Some days, I wish for a more expensive home, a supermodel
body, and a generous paycheck. I make a fuss about the little things, like
where the toothpaste should go (I say cabinet, my husband says counter). I can
get swept up in my own emotions, my wants and desires, so I start acting greedy
and selfish.
“Be joyful always, pray continually. Give
thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -1
Thessalonians 16:18
It isn’t often, but when I have these moments, I feel
completely disconnected with God. For a while, I question His plan and His will
for my life. I momentarily decide that I want to do what I want, when I want.
Those thoughts quickly disappear because I’ve been down that
road before. Pursuing a life with God on the sidelines leaves me feeling empty,
broken, and sad. I actively need a relationship with God on the throne and me
kneeling at His feet.
When I express my struggles to others, they say, “Think
about what you don’t have. Think about the starving children or homeless
veterans.”
It’s a cliché but the words hold value.
Even though I don’t like the taste, I have drinking water. I
live in a war-free zone, so I am not fearful of leaving my home. I have health
problems, but it could be worse. The list could go on.
I also like to think about the things I struggle with every
day. I have a chronic health condition which makes it difficult to have a 9-5
job. It’s the biggest struggle of mine, mentally and physically. I hate being
sick. But, I like to look on the bright side. If I wasn’t sick and stuck at
home, my freelance writing career would have never started. My own personal
blog wouldn’t be important. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to share the
Word with people around the world. I wouldn’t have gotten a book deal. And I
probably would become that person who puts work before anything else.
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| Photo Credit canva.com |
Every night, I have made a habit out of writing a grateful
journal. Along with my prayers, I list things that I am grateful for (big and
small), I write down challenges from the day and what I learned from them, I
recall the people I spoke to or saw during the day (even strangers), and then I
end it by writing down the best part of my day. I re-read my list and thank God
for everything, because my list and the things that I learned are a part of a
much bigger plan.
So, I challenge you all, for the next 30 days, to make a
grateful journal. I guarantee it will change your perspective of the world and
your life. May you feel as blessed and thankful as I do.
With love,
Samantha
Samantha is a Freelance Writer, Artist, Egalitarian, Wife to Travis, Momma to Pepper, and a Child of God. She is the author of His Endless Love, a blog dedicated to sharing the love of God.
Great idea! Gratitude journal... :D
ReplyDeleteI love that idea too!
ReplyDeleteYou know what? I totally agree with you. In y worst moments of anxiety, what I often hate most isn't the feeling itself of increased stress, but feeling disconnected from God. It's so hard and makes me feel that much more alone. But, getting to put time aside to pray and reflect and strengthen that bond again...it's priceless and always helps get me back on the track of feeling great. Awesome post!!
ReplyDeletecominguprosestheblog.com