Writing Gratitude- Journaling

Everything that has been created by God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected. These things are made holy by God’s word and prayer. – 1 Timothy 4:4-5

Putting pen to paper crystallizes the truth that swims within the internal conversations we keep inside.

Journaling is a well-tested spiritual practice that enables us to see a bigger perspective.  Fleeting thoughts find a home and our spiritual journey with its peaks, valleys, and turns can be charted.  Journaling helps us to discern the movement of the Holy Spirit over time.

Ann Voskamp wrote a beautiful book, “One Thousand Gifts” that connected the spiritual practice of journaling with gratitude.  She shares the process and effect of chronicling 3 things to be grateful for at the end of the day.

Through the spiritual practice of journaling Ann learned that gratitude can live in the midst of deadlines, debt, and daily duties.  There is a thankfulness that speaks even during the gritty, long, and dark days.

This was not a practice of “grin and bear it” but an authentic assessment of the day that honestly held the full weight of pain as well as the mustard seed of joy.

Set aside a journal, open a word document on your computer, or designate a notepad on your phone.  For one week invest a few minutes at the close of the day to write out three things you are grateful for.  Attempt to find something new each day and never be ashamed for choosing something that seems small.  If you are able spend a bit of extra time writing a prayer offering God that which has been difficult and giving thanks for the gifts of that day.

“…life change comes when we receive life with thanks and ask for nothing to change.” – Ann Voskamp

“And when I give thanks for the seemingly microscopic, I make a place for God to grow within me.” – Ann Voskamp