Gratitude Journal - February 26, 2021 Today, I am grateful for noise-canceling headphones. The ability to block out the world around me, especially in the new work-from-home paradigm, is essential to not only my productivity but my sanity as well. Sometimes I need to focus on a task, and my headphones allow me to isolate my thoughts and concentrate uninterrupted. For this, I am grateful.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
Gratitude Journal - February 25, 2021 Today, I am grateful for streaming music services. The ability to have almost any music you can think of - any genre, artist, album, or track - available at your fingertips is a fantastic innovation. I can always find something to match my mood or activity. Music is the ultimate communicator. It crosses boundaries, speaks to everyone, and can deliver a powerful message. For this, I am grateful.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6
Gratitude Journal - February 24, 2021 Today, I am grateful for the power of virtual meetings. While we are all growing tired of Zoom meetings day after day, and we all realize that online school for our children is no replacement for in-person classrooms, this technology has allowed us a sense of togetherness in a world of far-apart. For this, I am grateful.
“For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” Psalms 48:14
Gratitude Journal - February 23, 2021 Today, I am grateful for plentiful and clean water for drinking, bathing, and simple hand washing. A 2019 report from the UN estimated that 2.2 billion people do not have safely-managed drinking water, 4.2 billion lack essential sanitation services, and 3 billion lack necessary handwashing stations. I have multiple taps throughout my house with a seemingly unlimited supply of clean, safe water. I can buy bottled water by the case at any grocery store. Not everyone is so lucky. For this, I am grateful.
Here are a few different resources that help provide clean water to communities around the world:
Consider donating today.
Reference: Billions globally lack ‘water, sanitation and hygiene’, new UN report spells out
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Gratitude Journal - February 22, 2021 Today, I am grateful that I have people in my life that challenge me to be better. Living a life of mediocrity is not living at all. It’s just subsisting. Living an authentic life demands a constant drive for self-improvement. The people in my life that consistently expect the best out of me fuel my internal fire and help me find the discipline to excel every day. For this, I am grateful.
“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” Proverbs 29:2
Gratitude Journal - February 21, 2021 Today, I am grateful for our fantastic access to information, knowledge, and education. Today, more than ever before history, we have access to almost unlimited amounts of data. This data can be used to help us learn something new, prove a theory, or open doors of conversation. For this, I am grateful.
“And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Gratitude Journal - February 20, 2021 Today, I am grateful for the time spent with each of my children. While family time is great, sometimes it’s super nice to get one-on-one time with one of them. This is time for the two of us to connect and have some fun. Each of my children is unique, and I love every opportunity to see their individuality firsthand. For this, I am grateful.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12
Gratitude Journal - February 19, 2021 Today, I am grateful for warmer weather and sun. While here in the MidWest we are still stuck in the icebox of winter, today looks to be warmer and the sun is shining. After a string of grey, fridgid, snow filled days, this is a welcome change. For this, I am grateful.
“just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28
Gratitude Journal - February 18, 2021 Today, I am grateful my favorite chair. I have a chair in my living room that I love to sit in. It’s next to the fireplace, reclines nicely, and fits me well. On a cold day, I can start a fire, sit down, and relax. The chair isn’t really fancy or anything, it’s not leather, doesn’t rock or glide, but it suits me well. For this, I am grateful.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Romans 5:1-5
Gratitude Journal - February 17, 2021 Today, I am grateful for no longer having a daily commute. While I miss the daily interaction with my coworkers, I do not miss the added time it took to get to the office and back home every day. The time I save has gone into more family time and more time focused on health and fitness. For this, I am grateful.
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalms 40:1-2
