Thanks.Giving.
Ann Voskamp wrote about the basis of faith--and joy--in her book, One Thousand Gifts. The challenge: live fully right where you are. Give. Thank. And by giving thanks, you suddenly see how blind you've been to the touches of God's grace and mercy all around.
In the picture above, my nephews Jack and Noah, and niece, Tess, camp out to watch a movie while my brother-in-law fixed something in my house. For their sweet lives, I give unending thanks.
And, in an effort to take on Voskamp's challenge to write a list of 1,000 things for which I give thanks, here are my first 10:
1. Noah
2. Jack
3. Tess
4. A friend who exhorts me to write
5. A house to make home
6. Hot, creamy coffee
7. Running water
8. Cardinals--that pop of red--in winter
9. Sleep that restores
10. Sunlight through trees
What are 10 things for which you are thankful? What causes your heart, your home, to feel full to the brim?
Chris, Katie, Mary Arthur, Rome, other amazing family & friends who love me like family (and let me love them back like that), funny animals (couldn't do without my ridiculous dog), stupid home video shows, muppets, creativity (in others, in myself - what a gift), blankets with holes (aka afghans) made by my mom to curl up with on a chilly night. ;o) Love this Julie!! I want to read 1000 gifts so much...guess it's time!! (past time?) xoxox
ReplyDelete1. Judah's laughter
ReplyDelete2. Jonathan's smiley eyes
3. Do-overs
4. Red wine
5. A warm house on cold days
6. Friends who relentlessly love me and cheer for me
7. God's forgiveness and delight
8. Rain
9. I can read and write
10. Hope
1. Noah's tender, loving heart
ReplyDelete2. Julie. Yes, you my friend
3. My parents unconditional love and support even when they don't understand my decisions.
4. New beginnings
5. Running. Did I really just list that? :)
6. Forgiveness
7. One special dolphin
8. pink and organe fuzzies
9. unscheduled days
10. freedom to make decisions without fear