One Thousand Gifts

"As the moments slip down the hour glass of time, I am scratching down the gifts—just as they happen, as they arrive, as they are unwrapped—that He has given that make my life grace, the daily graces that He gives in an infinite number of ways, that stir me."

I love reading her writing...and learning about the 1000 Gift List was just what we needed - another special moment for my kids and I to share together as we start our morning.

"I am seeing things I have never seen before, attuned and aware of this constant, endless stream of gifts from His hand. I am one waking from slumber….from the stupor of indifference and ignorance. I have sight, fresh and keen—the world is new and full of His gifts."

Ann Voskamp's website is my new passion. Her words drip off the page right into my soul and strike chords that only He knew existed. This complete stranger writes in such a way that I sit back in awe, wondering if she has been secretly living in a corner of my abode.

She reminds us that we often we "miss" Him...what He has created; what He has graced us with. Fulling seeing yet completely blind. The Gift List makes us aware of His love, His presence and His ability. It helps us acknowledge what He has showered us with and to pay attention to the little details of the world He has given us.

"We need to have everyday epiphanies everywhere." I love that. I think I will make that my statement and goal for 2011!

What are you thankful for? The sound of a windmill...the smell of fresh baked bread...the baby frog in your flowerbed...listening to your children laugh...cracking open a new book...your friend who always has a listening ear...just writing them down as they happen begins your gratitude journey.

Ann states that, "The Thousand Gifts list is about the gifts Abba gives His children every day… and, ultimately, about the very gift of self, life as we know it."

As I began to read further, I found this interesting conclusion:

Participants who kept a gratitude journal felt better about their lives as a whole and were more optimistic about the future. They reported feeling more joyful, enthusiastic, interested, attentive, energetic, excited, determined, and strong.

We have started our gratitude journey with The Thousand Gift List. Won't you start yours today? I believe it will change you forever...eternally.