“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” Psalms 37:7
Gratitude Journal - February 28, 2021 Today, I am grateful for plentiful food. I realize that not everyone has the same access to delicious and plentiful food as I do. Many go to bed every night hungry. Hunger and malnutrition are a global problem that impacts all races, ages, and genders. Daily, more than 690 million people globally are left without enough to eat. For the simple fact that my family has enough to eat each day, I am grateful.
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
Gratitude Journal - February 27, 2021 Today, I am grateful for mid-afternoon naps. Some days there is just nothing better than a nice quick nap. Naps can re-energize, re-focus, and revitalize our day. More importantly, naps can provide a much needed mental health break in the day. For this, I am grateful.
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8
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.
