I was 1 week into my race when I realized the selfishness and entitlement in my heart. When all of my comforts had been stripped, I was so quick to jump to all the things I didn’t have instead of being thankful for all the things I did have.
I was 2 weeks into my race when the Lord deeply encouraged me to have a heart of thanksgiving and challenged me to each day come to Him and write 3 things or more I am thankful for. It’s been such a sweet shift in my perspective and gives me so much joy! At the end of each month I want to share with you directly from my journal what God has reminded me to be thankful for. I’m calling it Growing Gratefulness. I know it might sound silly for me to share and you to read what I find thanksgiving in, but God has placed it on my heart to share it with you! So enjoy <3
Here is part 1:
I’m thankful for a bed. I’m thankful for a shower. I’m thankful for the toilets. I’m thankful for my mom that has always provided for me and loves me. I’m thankful for the ability to go to school. I’m thankful for my education. I’m thankful for how much my Heavenly Father loves me. I’m thankful to be able to see a sky full of stars. I’m thankful God woke me up this morning. I’m thankful for breakfast. I’m thankful for the Lords provision. I’m thankful for worship music. I’m thankful for my car. I’m thankful for the shoes on my feet. I’m thankful for my grandparents. I’m thankful for hot water. I’m thankful for a washer and dryer. I’m thankful for ice cubes. I’m thankful I have a job. I’m thankful for Olivia. I’m thankful for a healthy heart. I’m thankful for my dog. Im thankful for my team. Im thankful for the animals on this earth. I’m thankful for the ability to buy food. I’m thankful I get to talk to my family. I’m thankful for wifi. I’m thankful I can hear. I’m thankful for coffee. I’m thankful for my home church. I’m thankful God woke me up this morning. I’m thankful for a healthy body. I’m thankful to have the ability to run. I’m thankful I have a Heavenly Father. I’m thankful for the grace He gives me. I’m thankful for the love he gives me. I’m thankful for the breath in my lungs. I’m thankful for my mom who loves me. I’m thankful for my stepdad who loves me. I’m thankful for my dad who loves me. I’m thankful for the breath in my lungs. I’m thankful to have a breakfast. I’m thankful I eat three meals a day. I’m thankful for rainy days. I’m thankful the Lord provides me with everything I need. I’m thankful to be a daughter of the most high King. I’m thankful I have healthy teeth. I’m thankful for my brother. I’m thankful to be on this farm. I’m thankful for quiet. I’m thankful for my squad. I’m thankful for my team. I’m thankful for a good nights rest. I’m thankful the sun rose this morning. I’m thankful for worship music. I’m thankful for fruits and vegetables. I’m thankful for the wind in the air. I’m thankful for the birds in the sky. I’m thankful for prayer. I’m thankful I have the ability to go to church. I’m thankful for my family and friends. I’m thankful for clean water. I’m thankful for the kids at ministry. I’m thankful to know and be known by my Heavenly Father. I’m thankful for grace and mercy. I’m thankful for my squad leader. I’m thankful for my team leader. I’m thankful for Kendall. I’m thankful for honesty. I’m thankful for trust. I’m thankful for friendships. I’m thankful for love. I’m thankful for Faith Assembly. I’m thankful for Kenya and Alicia. I’m thankful for Olivia, Jansen, Wesly, and Micah. I’m thankful for Wednesday nights. I’m thankful for Carole. I’m thankful for middle school mornings. I’m thankful for all of the faith students. I’m thankful for Brooke. I’m thankful for rest. I’m thankful for joy. I’m thankful for peace. I’m thankful for patience. I’m thankful for the warmth in the air. I’m thankful for the chill in the air. I’m thankful for mountains. I’m thankful for the Lord’s creation. I’m thankful for the simplicity of life in Swaziland. I’m thankful for the Lord’s provision. I’m thankful for all of my supporters. I’m thankful for restful days.
This month I was given the precious reminder that everything I have is because of my Father! Nothing I have is of my own or because of anything I do, but only of Him and because of Him. He not only reminded me to be thankful for all that I have here, but also reminded me to be thankful for so many people, places, and things back home.
Thank you for putting things on pause for a few minutes to read this blog! I pray that you found encouragement in this and I hope that you would try to start your day, or even end it, by writing 3 things you are thankful for.
I’m already looking forward to sharing part 2 of Growing Gratefulness with you!
Much love from Swaziland,
Jordan
