Ephesians 1: 3-4 ~ God blesses people with every spiritual blessing in Christ. I passed out gratitude journals in Room 21 last week. The students were delighted to receive them and eager to write 3 things down that they were thankful for. I encouraged them to understand that a happy, new year begins with a thankful heart first and foremost. I also reminded them that scientists have actually confirmed that gratitude and anxiety cannot coexist. It is a proven fact that when people choose to focus on gratitude rather than their problems, it is much more productive for them in so many ways. Having a thankful heart literally changes the way we perceive everything. We wrote in our gratitude journals today and the first thing on my list was HEAT. Oh yes! We have cold winters here in Canada and I am so thankful that we can enjoy the pleasure of a cozy and warm home and workplace. Some are not so lucky. I often think of homeless people at this time of year and feel so thankful for the comforts that I enjoy, yet often sadly take for granted. I know I am blessed so much more than I deserve, yet it is still so easy to complain. Why do I do that? I get so disappointed in myself sometimes. It is sad that often what myself and others complain about, some could only dream of. An example could be we could say "I don't like that dinner." Others have no food. Another example could be we say "The Wi-fi is down again!" Others have no electricity, let alone computer access. You get the idea. It is quite humbling when we get a healthy dose of perspective and realize complaining is not the answer, or helpful. The Lord blesses us for many reasons but one of the reasons is so we in turn can be a blessing to others. We are blessed to be a blessing as they say! I love the song Counting My Blessings by Seph Schlueter. I encourage you to check it out by clicking the above link. The lyrics are so powerful and the chorus says Lord, I'm still counting my blessings, For all that You've done in my life, The more that I look in the details, The more of your goodness I find, Father on this side of Heaven, I know that I'll run out of time, But I will keep counting my blessings, Knowing I can't count that high We truly cannot count them all when it comes to our blessings that is for sure. If you don't have a gratitude journal, I strongly encourage you to start this new habit this year. It doesn't have to be fancy, any little notebook will work just fine. Not only will you have a record of all you are thankful for, but incorporating gratitude into your day each day, will also lay a great foundation for a happy and healthy 2025. Tuck that in your heart today. ❤️ Dear Jesus, Thank you for all that you have given us. We are blessed beyond measure and we need to be always mindful of that. May we take what you have given us and be a blessing to all those around us. On the chance that we are tempted to complain about the ups and downs of life, remind us to be thankful instead. In Jesus' name, Amen Sending you a virtual hug and so grateful for YOU! Dana
Tags: thankful heart, gratitude, thankfulness, gratitude journal, blessings, blessed to be a blessing, blessed beyond measure, counting my blessingsCopyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)
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