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On the subject of being thankful, we have a new addition in our home. No, it's not a new baby, or another rescued pet. We have a wall of gratitude.
I can't take credit for the idea, though. Our pastor spoke about how gratitude is on the path to joy, and if we put up visual reminders of what we're thankful for, it'll remind us of the blessings in our lives. So we created a wall of gratitude on our fridge.
(cute, yes?)
Our boys have the freedom to write whatever it is they're thankful for. They're teens, so of course they've written things like steak, vanilla shakes, and pizza. But they've also written family, our military, and an education. I've written God, good health, and love.
But of course the writer in me is evident on that wall. I've added books, words, the skills and desire to write, perseverance, and positive attitude.
Whenever I'm feeling low, I stroll over to that wall and read all that we're thankful for. And I won't leave without adding something new. That simple task makes me feel lighter. Our pastor is right...gratitude is definitely a big part of the path to joy.
Do you have a wall of gratitude? Or a gratitude journal? If you're ever feeling low, do you focus on what's wrong, or do you focus on what's right? What are you thankful for today?
That's a great idea! An attitude of gratitude is best. We have to appreciate what we have before God will give us more.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm grateful for pizza...
Alex, you make such a great point. Why would God give us more if we aren't already thankful for what He's given us? And yay for pizza!
DeleteThat is a fantastic idea! I hope you won't mind if I use it in my home? I am most grateful today for my health, family and friends. I am truly blessed.
ReplyDeleteMurees, yes, use the idea! I copied it from our pastor :) You indeed have so much to be thankful for.
DeleteI love the idea of the wall of gratitude! That's something I need to work on.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, it doesn't always come naturally for me. That's why seeing it on display is such a great reminder :)
DeleteLove this! We used to do something similar with our four kids during grace at dinner and during nightly prayers. They always had to comment on something they were thankful for that day. Writing it down in one spot is great!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love the idea of doing it when you sit down to eat together! Maybe I'll start that one tonight :)
DeleteI got another great idea from someone else...start playing a little game after meals. Now we clear the table and play a quick game of Apples to Apples, or Trivia Crack. It's a nice time to just chill out and be together.
We take so many things for granted that are big things. I've learned to appreciate what I have. It makes me a happier person... usually. :)
ReplyDeleteM Pax, I am totally guilty of taking things for granted. Heck, even with the wall of gratitude I know there are things I haven't yet been thankful for. But hey, we're a work in progress, right?
DeleteI started a gratitude journal. Someone suggested it during A to Z and it was a great idea. Was that you?
ReplyDeleteSusan, that's so awesome! No, I didn't suggest the gratitude journal during A-Z, but I've heard of many people doing that.
DeleteThat's such a great idea! I have a blank wall in my kitchen I think I may start using for that. =)
ReplyDeleteOh, a blank wall! Know what I almost did? I almost used chalkboard paint and did it that way, but decided against it because I don't have a good wall for that.
DeleteKaren, you're so welcome!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea!!! I may have to steal it!!! Thank You!!! People seem to dwell on the negative when there's much more to be grateful for. Pure Gratitude, I love This!!
ReplyDeleteCathrina, please steal the idea! I stole it :)
DeleteYes, despite the negative all around us, it's nice to focus on the good. Have a happy Thursday!
What a wonderful idea! My husband and I used to have a printed sheet on our fridge, but I like the idea of adding things to it.
ReplyDeleteL. Diane, the printed sheet is a great idea as well! But yes, it's nice to add things when we think of them on the fly.
DeleteIf we don't look around and say thank you, we might not see it for what it is worth. :-)
ReplyDeleteHere's my link if you'd like to drop by :-)
Anna from Elements of Writing
So true! We get sidetracked by the busyness of life and forget to be thankful. The reminder is so helpful.
DeleteAwesome idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I might have to steal that, if you don't mind.
ReplyDelete-Vicki