Day 3: The Gratefulness Project

So it turns out that the church I've been going to since I moved home is really into the rodeo. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo started last weekend, so this Sunday was deemed "Rodeo Sunday." There was a petting zoo set up, roping demonstrations, cowboys and their horses--all sorts of rodeo themed fun. Oh, and all the music was country. The church has a very good worship band, but I looked upon this morning's prepared set with a dubious stare. However, I was proved wrong. It was so much fun! I mean, I wouldn't like for every song on every Sunday to be all twangy and two-steppy, but it was a good time for one day. It is undeniable that good country and bluegrass music has a certain joy and unimpaired spirit to it that can be infectious.

Therefore, I am grateful for the gift of music. I know that God can reach us in countless ways, and he certainly doesn't need music, but I think he realizes that some of us do need it. There are times that music can take me to a place that words cannot.

I am reminded that I could not enjoy the gift of music without my sense of hearing, so I am all the more grateful that I have ears that work. Without them, I could not hear the violin swell or the banjo wail. I could not hear the sound of my mom's voice or falling rain. It is a true gift to be able to hear.

On a completely separate note, the pastor said something at church today that stuck out to me: "When we're praying for something that will take God's place, his answer will always be no." Wow. Harsh. But true. I think... but then, I'm reminded of Israel crying out for a king, and God's (slow and begrudging) concession. What does that mean? I haven't thought out all of the implications of that statement, whether it is true when weighed against the Bible, and so on, but I found it to be very much worth taking note of.

Day 2: The Gratefulness Project

I am so thankful for Saturdays. And sunshine. And temperatures in the high 60s. What a beautiful day it was today! Now that I am subbing a lot more often and no longer work at American Eagle, I have Saturdays off and I don't have to feel bad about it. In fact, it feels great to have a Saturday off when I don't feel 1.) guilty that I'm not working or 2.) obligated to do some form of homework. I just slept in a bit, spent some time outside, enjoyed cooking dinner, and watched The Godfather: Part 2 with my dad. And it was a beautiful day. Thank you, God, for Saturdays.

Day 1: The Gratefulness Project

I am grateful for the ability to read. I spent a lot of time reading Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw today, and it has been opening my eyes (and my heart) to many things about Jesus and the Gospel. It occurred to me that I would not be able to realize such things--at least not without God intervening in some other way, but that's for a different discussion--without the ability to read. Then I thought about the myriad of opportunities that I would not have if were not able to read. Wow. The implications are sobering.

Therefore, I am also grateful for teachers and my parents. Without them, I would not have the education I've had, and I would not have the same opportunities.

21 Days of Gratitude: The Gratefulness Project

It happens so quickly. One little thing doesn't go "my way," and I forget that I have so much to be grateful for. To cut myself some slack, there are times that the thing isn't quite so little, but that still does not change the fact that I have much more to be grateful for than I do to be bitter about.

We talked about this a bit in my small group tonight. I tend to expect God to give me good things when I've been "good"; I feel that I deserve them. However, when I've been "bad," I don't ask for God to give me bad things, even though I deserve them. Instead, God has provided an alternative known as grace. He extends grace and mercy whether I'm "good" or "bad," never giving me what I deserve, only his unconditional love. That is so much better than always getting what I deserve (or think I deserve).

Lately, I've been thinking that I deserve a lot of things. And when I don't get them, I am bitter about it. One thing leads to another, and before I know it, I'm not grateful for anything anymore. ICK!!

So I'm going to keep a gratitude journal, and I'm going to keep it here on my blog for you to read. This is partially to keep me accountable. They say it takes at least 21 consistent days to change a habit, so for at least 21 consistent days, I'm going to make a very conscious effort to be grateful. The hope is that this will lead to a way of grateful thinking and behaving that is second nature.

With that, I invite you to read for the next 3 weeks about the things that I am grateful for!