New Way to Be Thankful for Our Day

My friend David Rudd shared this with me and I want to share it with you . . .

"I was reading through Daniel this morning, and as I worked through chapter one, I was thinking about all the things the author gave credit to God for:

- "the LORD delivered Jehoiakim...into his hand"
- "God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel"
- "To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding..."

In each of these situations, the author is recognizing that God is active behind the scenes, sovereignly working out his will. It might be a fun activity at the end of the day occasionally to write out a short summary of your day, like this:
- went to church
- dropped off Bailey and Maddie in Coopersville
- cleaned out van
- picked up light-bulbs at Walmart
- helped dad tear out floor
- helped Emma with beam routine
- watched Liam's soccer game on video with him
- went to bed

Then take the same list, and rethink it, finding God's activity in my own life:
- The Lord provided a welcoming community of believers for me.
- God gave my daughter good friends
- God has provided transportation needs for me and my family
- The Lord has given us more money than we need so we can purchase lightbulbs
- God has given Emma and Liam great athletic ability
- The Lord has provided a soft bed in a safe home.

Kind of creates a new perspective on life... and is a great way to prompt thanksgiving."

I am grateful for David's note and believe that our focus on our day would be dramatically different if each of us would adopt this practice!

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation." (Psalm 100:4-5)