gratitude journal

happy thanksgiving, all! i trust everyone is celebrating with the dear people in your life today, enjoying lots of food and fellowship. may we take advantage of the excuse to show gratitude, and not of the things we have to be grateful for.

after a twenty-seven day spotlight on genuine appreciation for all i have to be thankful for, inspired by laura’s gratitude journal, i am posting the complete journal i compiled by adding one entry each day this month. the list could never be comprehensive, even if i added to it each day for the rest of my life. maybe that is what i should do. so here is my list for november, not in order of importance, simply by what that particular day inspired.

i am thankful for:

Nov 1: friends – those who motivate, encourage, and support, console, and brighten my days

Nov 2: my man – a husband who is committed to making our lifelong story a masterpiece

Nov 3: siblings – who are also my best friends

Nov 4: health – my own, my family’s, and especially that of my remarkably strong mother

Nov 5: life – the gift of another year (happy birthday to me)

Nov 6: beauty – surrounding me every day

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Nov 7: discovery – of information, of talents, of cultures, of deeper understanding

Nov 8: plentiful produce – seasonal treats for our culinary pleasure

Nov 9: opportunity – to succeed, to grow, to reach goals

Nov 10: laughter – from the subconscious chuckle at an amusing story to the guffaw sparked by a surprisingly hilarious moment

Nov 11: technology – and the connections it helps maintain regardless of geographical location

Nov 12: faith – the active presence of Christ in my life that makes living meaningful

Nov 13: hope – the active gestures of people doing good things together that makes living bearable

Nov 14: love - the active exchange in intimate relationships that makes living joyful

Nov 15: divine design – God’s awe-inspiring creativity evidenced in the complexity of the human senses, allowing us to experience life to the fullest

Nov 16: entertainment – displays of true artistry in music, theater, sport, film, dance, and writing

Nov 17: cozy activities – sweatpants, a cup of hot tea, a good book, and a comfy chair –> a recipe for bliss

Nov 18: my mother - who masterfully balances her many roles: parent, guide, teacher, confidant, counselor, consultant, cheerleader, friend

Nov 19: my titu – a blessing beyond words

Nov 20: doggie kisses – that remind you it’s not so bad after all

Nov 21: vacation – not as an escape, but as a time to relax, recharge, and reconnect

Nov 22: celebration – making special moments out of small victories and savoring the memories

Nov 23: movement – for expression, for stimulation, for exhilaration

Nov 24: abundance – the want for nothing, the satisfaction of all my worldly needs – food, shelter, clothing – far beyond mere sufficiency

Nov 25: sunny days – gracing the oklahoma plains even in november, making working outside cheerful

Nov 26: memories – to cherish, to learn from, to pass on

Nov 27: and finally (at least for this list), i am thankful for a father who instilled in me a value for family, faith, and integrity; a taste for knowledge, dreams, and humor; and a sense of confidence, security, and ambition. i am grateful for his example of humility, selflessness, and wisdom.  happy birthday, daddy!