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
Gratitude Journal - February 16, 2021 Today, I am grateful for our elementary, middle school, and high school teachers. Teaching through this pandemic has been a challenging and difficult transition with many unknowns. I’m grateful that our teachers have attacked this with a positive attitude, putting our kids education first. For this, I am grateful.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalms 42:5
Gratitude Journal - February 15, 2021 Today, I am grateful for the flexibility I have at work. My employer makes it possible for me to do the things I need to do while still being efficient and effective at work. This flexibility allows me to be the best employee, father, husband, and person I can be. For this, I am grateful.
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4
Gratitude Journal - February 14, 2021 Today, on Valentine’s Day, I am grateful for my wife. Like any married couple, we have had our ups and downs, but we have never given up. We have never quit. We both continue to work to be the best we can be and serve the other with unfailing love. For this, I am grateful.
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7
Gratitude Journal - February 13, 2021 Today, I am grateful that my whole family is home and safe. I am lucky to have a warm home filled with laughter and love. For this, I am grateful.
“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.” Proverbs 4:20-22
