http://www.rgbstock.com/photo/meT4SFe/.SPRAY.

The Discipline of Gratitude (from The Return of the Prodigal Son)

Gratitude as a discipline involves a conscious choice. I can choose to be grateful even when my emotions and feelings are still steeped in hurt and resentment. It is amazing how many occasions present themselves in which I can choose gratitude instead of complaint.

e.g. see ‘3 Good Things‘, or this jar idea. I certainly did this the year after I was put on antidepressants and it made every day more manageable to scribble, or often draw, 2-3 things that you were grateful for in the day, and allowed appreciation of the small things also.

Instructions for a New Life:  Colossians 3:16-17

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” … I’ve been very privileged to be working on Big Bible for the past couple of years where I get to hear great content from lots of different people, giving me more insights into the Bible – and (today) we started using a different book of the Bible as inspiration each month, starting with Genesis.

Prayer: As we pray in God’s name – we declare who he is to us…

Christmas Action: I’m just going to write this out in full:

Be grateful today for all the “little things” done for you that you often may take for granted. Recall this Estonian Proverb: “Who does not thank for little will not thank for much.”

Now, off to Pam’s post…

Note: Written 2nd January.