Cultivating Thankfulness

Colossians 3:15 (New International Version, ©2011)

 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
By Belinda

On our trip to Israel I took Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts. As you will know from our itinerary, time for reading was scarce, but the plane journey each way was 11 hours! I  began the discipline of writing down my list of one thousand gifts as soon as I got home.

Last night Tippy and Tori had supper with us as Brenda was late coming home. I couldn't wait to tell them about my little journal. Their eyes sparkled with interest as I shared what it was and told them how Ann came to start her own list of One Thousand Gifts. I read them my list, that began:

1)  Coming "home."
2) A "welcome home" email.
3) Children who return for "one more hug," again and again."...

And I asked them, "Would you like to your own gratitude journals?"

Two heads nodded! I went to my drawer upstairs of future gifts and found two little note books in turquoise and brown with a little flap that folded over to close them magnetically and put them into their waiting hands. They began right away. I made it onto Tippy's list three times: "Great" grandparents: Omie's cooking; Omie's heart of love.

As I chopped and sliced vegetables for our salad, two young heads bowed in concentration, writing down thanksgiving upon thanksgiving until they were out-thanking me.

My number 22: "Two granddaughters, cultivating thankfulness."

Colossians 3:17 (The Message)


 15-17Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.


100huntley.com - Having An Attitude Of Gratitude -- Ann Voskamp -- 1/2
100huntley.com - Having An Attitude Of Gratitude -- Ann Voskamp -- 2/2

Comments

Brave Raven said…
It's great that you're teaching them the art of quiet reflection. That's where thankfulness lives.
10:39 AM
Anonymous said…
months go by and i realized how long its been since i sat down and took inventory of what i am thankful for. i have been given so many wonderful gifts. i will check out the book, i can always use a reminder.
3:21 PM
Dave Hingsburger said…
here's some of my list ... Belinda's blog, Belinda's pies, Belinda's eyes, Belinda's laugh, Belinda's attitude of welcome ... I'm grateful for all who bring light into my life! And you are definately one of the 100 watt-ers!
4:52 PM
Belinda said…
What a blessing to come home to these comments.
# 23 on my list was "Kettle boiling water for tea after work."
and
# 24 was, "Comments on the blog." :)

Dave, you are one of the 100 watt-ers in my life too. Big hug flying your way!

And Lizzie, you will love Ann's book. It has inspired me to go beyond my status quo in gratitude.

Brave Raven, dear friend, it was such joy to have those two little gratitude disciples taking on the challenge with such enthusiasm.
7:54 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Voyage

Image
Note from Belinda: I read this prayer yesterday and again today--and then I read it to Susan after cell group, when we were having our "second cup" of decaff coffee together. I knew that she'd love it. She has a framed picture on her office wall of a little blond haired girl in a sail boat on a stormy sea. A fatherly sailor,with a weather beaten face; in a gray sou'wester, holds her close, as he capably mans the tiller. This prayer reminds me of that picture and influenced what I wrote earlier today, when I used the metaphor of ebbing waves to describe a lack of consistency and my desire to crash over the sandbar into the peaceful pool on the other side.  ( Susan sent me a link to the painting, which was done by American impressionist Robert Reid in 1888.  It hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in NYC.) Be bless ed by the beauty of this prayer. OH LORD OF THE OCEANS, My little bark sails on a restless sea, Grant that Jesus may sit at the
Read more

Ere Zij God--Glory to God in the Highest! A Dutch Carol

Image
By Belinda This beautiful Dutch carol was shared today by a friend of Dutch ancestry, on Facebook. I had never heard it before but absolutely loved it. It moved me deeply, especially at the end after the crowd leaves the church and then breaks into spontaneous singing again around a brazier, with the sound of chiming church bells in the background. Listen to it with headphones or a good speaker to get the full effect of the harmonies. And happy first Sunday in Advent!
Read more

Samson Beaver and his Family

Image
I first posted this in 2009, a little show and tell about one of my favourite photographs. Back then it hung on a wall, but now it's in my bathroom where I see it every morning! I'd forgotten the history behind the story, researched when I first posted this and thought that current readers might enjoy it--a story from a time when this land was still being discovered, not so very long ago. This photograph was taken by Mary Schaffer; artist, photographer, writer and naturalist, in 1907. It is of a Stoney Indian named Samson Beaver, with his wife Leah and daughter, Frances Louise. I bought the photo on a postcard, on a trip to British Columbia and it hangs framed, on the wall I face when sitting at my laptop. I love it. Don't you just feel as if you could gather Frances Louise up in your arms and cuddle her? I get a deep sense of peace and happiness when I look at this family, sitting in the grass of a long ago fall. They are dressed in their best, beautiful c
Read more