Thanks Is What Multiplies The Joy

“We only enter into the full life, if our faith gives thanks…Thanks is what multiplies the joy and makes any life large, and I hunger for it.”   Ann Voskamp One Thousand Gifts 

 

I’ve been trying to do a better job of being aware of the gifts that God gives, taking more time to appreciate them, calling the blessings by name, and giving thanks.  This week I began writing some of those blessings down:

walking among the citrus trees on quiet Monday mornings

hot air balloons hovering in the desert sky

herons floating over irrigated alfalfa fields

squiggly strips of sun dancing on the living room wall

homemade bread baking in the oven

roosters with chests puffed out in pride, participating in a crowing duel

setting on the back porch and sharing a sunset with my husband

hearing a student shout out, “I'm having an epiphany! Now I get it”

watching a  friend effortlessly stride into Starbucks, when just last month she used a walker

grandchildren feeling all better

the “gooble-gooble” of the neighbor’s turkey

catching up with sisters

A God-daughter’s new healthy baby boy

being woken by the chattering of birds, instead of my alarm clock

the sounds of my children’s voice on the other end of the line

chubby little killdeer birds scampering along the ditch banks

the freedom to wear my cross necklace

the warmth of the sun on my skin

Tuesday’s Bible study with my precious friends

tasting the sweet nectar of blood oranges

grandbabies and Skype

 

How true Ann Voskamp words ring for me, “I pay tribute to God by paying attention…in naming that which is right before me, that which I’d otherwise miss, the invisible becomes visible.”    

As I set about counting and naming God’s blessings, I am reminded, always so many gifts lay before me.  But the unwrapping of them is up to me.  Shall I quickly rip them open and toss them aside like the anxious spoiled little child, always looking for what’s next, something better?  Or shall I hold the gift up to the light, turning it this way and that, remarking on the excellence of its maker, the care that went into its giving, and the love that brought it to me? That only comes when I take time …be mindful.… slow down….Ahhh yes...slow down..
If I stop and give thanks, I multiply the joy.


If you're interested, check out the 2nd half of an interview with Ann Voskamp as she discusses her book One Thousand Gifts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-4gZ8_5E6s


 Post your thoughts on the blog or email me at: smallsteps4bigresults@yahoo.com