A week of thanks: the Saturday Gratitude Journal
Another week has ended and July is getting ready to come to a close. God’s word tells us in the book of James, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morror. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” (James 4:14, KJV)
How true is this.
How many times have we said or heard people say…
Time slow down.
I can’t believe my baby is this old.
Where did time go?
And tell me again how old I am? I was just in high school yesterday.
There is no slowing down of the clock. Or the sunrises or the sunsets. To us, it is humanly impossible. But there is a time we can hit the pause in our lives. Breathe a deep breath. Talk to our friend, spouse, children, parents–a little longer. Delay bedtime for 10 more minutes as you read one more book to your child cuddled in your lap who soon will be reading to you.. Take an extra minute and drive by your destination to hear the end of your favorite song.
Make the time.
This week I have thought a lot about time. I can’t get any more of it. You can’t either. God gave us all the same. Twenty-four hours in a day. That’s it. But He did give us a choice on how we spend those hours—those moments.
And the slow in our lives, it can come in other forms–like memories. Through a camera lens. An old photograph. A journal. Memories which cut deep within the heart.
I turn to my gratitude journal strumming the pages of the past as well as this week’s gifts and I remember and I am grateful. Thankful for the gifts God has allowed me to have on His earth.
Hearing the words I love you from my children.
Ferns on the creek bank–ferns on my front porch.
The beauty of a cattle farm and the prodigal.
Sweet neck hugs from baby girl Drew.
Hearing these words whispered in heartfelt prayer for a dear Sister in Christ–she’s dying soon. Hold her tight–Hold her strong Lord.
My cousin Niki. Such a beautiful heart. Her tears flow freely because of blessings.
A friend who responds, ‘first of all you are in my prayers’–before she gives me her thoughts, advice. She taught me a lesson right there. Pray always–first.
A phone call–one phone call that links hearts in prayer–my church’s prayer line.
Memories that appear out of nowhere and you laugh. Outloud.
So make yourself a promise today, this week. You will take some time to pause. Whether it’s in a memory or the now. Whether it is something tangible or a matter of the heart. Whether you keep a journal or keep the gifts stored in your heart.
Make the time.
Give thanks.
For these are gifts from the Lord.
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