What Happens When You Give Thanks For Every Little Thing?

I decided that I have not been diligent in the "Practice of The Presence of The Lord." (This is the idea of acting out the truth that God is always with you, and you can always talk to him.) I have daily Bible reading and prayer times but it is only a part of my personal walk with the Father.

I resolved to practice the Lord's presence by giving thanks God for everything that I could think of today, and express it by a short prayer to the Father of Blessings. I had many, many opportunities to give thanks to the Almighty.

I thanked the Lord for...

• The beautiful sky.
• The people I work with.
• The people I work for.
• The people I saw walking by.
• The health I enjoyed.
• The ability to work.
• The friends I saw when I saw them.
• The lunch I enjoyed.
• Sitting outside on my break.
• My supervisor at work.
• The safe ride to work.
• Seeing a church friend during the day.
• The quietness of a peaceful home.
• The food I had.
• The flowers in my wife's garden.
• Fellowship with friends of faith at work.
• The company I work for.
• Friendships I experienced.

It came and went because I didn't remember to be thankful every moment but having tried to thank God for everything I felt I was more focused on God and was more aware of his blessings. I felt more positive and grateful. It felt that I was doing what is right.

When things happened that would normally cause me to be frustrated and think resentful thoughts I found myself thinking nothing of it, like it was no big deal.

It seemed that I was receiving more blessings than usual or maybe I was just seeing them more.

I will continue to attempt to practice the attitude of reflective thanksgiving in everything I can.

Why I Am Thankful for Moments With My Son

I am thankful that I was able to spend a few minutes with my youngest son yesterday. I love him dearly and always felt we did not spend enough time together. I feel he was lost in the shuffle of other kids in our house. I always enjoyed being with him and love his sense of humor. I think his point of view on social things is near genius and his talent as an artist makes me green with envy.

I always wanted to spend more time with him but was always somehow too busy. So when he was home for the weekend I invited him to join me on an errand. I am glad I did since he was very helpful and I felt I would have struggled without his help. Just being with him was nice and though he is quiet I felt every word he said was golden. I wish I could have spent more time with him. 

He is a gift to us. I pray for him every day and find I am often worried about him.

I am thankful for him in hundreds of ways. I am thankful...

     * that he is doing well in college. 

     * that he has a good relationship with his brothers and sister. 

     * for his talent.

     * that he is a hard worker. 

     * for his laugh. 

     * that he is a thoughtful person. 

     * that he is going to do more and better than I ever will. 

     * for every memory I have of him.

     * to God for giving him to our family.

     * that he is about one of the smartest people I know.

     * for all the ways he has made me proud. 

     * I could go on, and on, and on. 

If I have any regrets it is that other fathers have not have so fine and wonderful son as I have. 

Thanks for Friday November 9

Friday is a good day to be thankful. For many it is the end of the week and the beginning of a few days off from jobs. It is a good time to look back on the week and think of what blessings God has given.

This week:
     * I was able to accomplish some writing which I enjoy and feel thankful for.
     * I was able to teach a few students some art lessons and they seemed to enjoy.
     * I was able to volunteer at church and teach kids for which I felt blessed.
     * My wife cooked some great dinners, she always does and I am always thankful.
     * I received a biannual bonus check at the grocery store where I work part time.
     * I was able to celebrate the accomplishments of students at the home school community where I teach part time.
     * My times of prayer and meditation on God's Word seems to have been truly blessed.
     * I was able to do a few important things around the house.
     * I experienced answered prayer when I sought God's help on several occasions.
     * There were no disasters or losses in our home. So I am thankful that God has watched over us.
     * I made a little extra money which I put in the bank hopefully to cover bills.

Looking over the short list above is not outstanding: it seems to have been a regular and ordinary week.  It is reflecting on the little things and seeing God's hand in them that they become great and the week in retrospect is extraordinary.