Let’s say a law gets passed that says you can’t pray. How would you feel about such a statute? Last week a 4th grader answered this question with…
Not being able to pray would be like not being able to eat.
I never thought of it like that!
Here’s what Daniel did when he heard about the decree…
Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10
Daniel was having a bad day, and yet he chose to be thankful.
Always showing gratitude, regardless of your circumstances, isn’t easy. You know what helps: practice.
The best way to practice is to keep a list.
Start a gratitude journal with your family. Talk about what you’d add to your list over the family dinner table.
I’ve been recording thankfuls. Yes I am counting them. I’m going for one thousand, but now that I’ve started, I probably won’t stop.
(Update for Feb. 2017: I’m up to #4,853!)
Here are samples from my gratitude journal:
541. Sunshine.
549. Riding-in-the-car games.
551. Ice skating on the lake.
557. Chocolate mousse pie.
568. The crunch of boots on snow.
576. Kindhearted health care providers.
581. A flock of robins in February!
588. The frosty sparkle of morning light.
Photo credits:
Photos are from my archives.
Family Faith Companion 