May 9, 2026
One of the most important things we can do is to keep a gratitude journal. God is good and He blesses us every day. Because He is generous, we can allow great moments and miracles to slip by without notice. Not because we're not grateful, but because we are accustomed to it. But look around. Some people lose children, parents, businesses and so much more. Do they not pray? Do they trust God for all their needs? Maybe they don’t.
That is no reason for us to show God a less than grateful heart. In spite of all God does, the moment we hit a bump in the road, we seek Him out and beg Him to fix it. Essentially, we do the same thing with family and friends. We take their love and generosity for granted. We need to make certain we give of ourselves more often. God wants our time. Our talent. If we just talk to God when we need something, it is a weak and one-sided relationship. If we only connect with other people when we want prayer or help moving, it’s also one-sided.
A gratitude journal keeps us focused on all the wonders in our lives. People share more than their time. They give flowers, a borrowed book, a hot and cheesy casserole (just because). They pick up a child at school or run an errand because we have to work. God gives us surprises, too. A gorgeous sunrise that takes our breath away, a child’s hug, and the love of a loyal pet. All day. Every day.
Write these blessings down. Thank God for His love. Send thank you notes. Appreciate every good thing you receive. Bless others. Keep another journal, one where you jot down people’s favorite colors, flowers and scents. Grateful hearts become giving hearts. Don’t miss an opportunity to be a giver.
Lord God, thank You for Your daily gifts, for expansive ocean views, for nature, whales, birds and forests. For creation so lovely I can barely breathe as I view it. Thank You for the goodness of people, for those who sacrifice their time just to help me or to bless me. Help me return all the love I am given by giving back. Let me design not only a gratitude journal but also a giving journal, where I can plan surprises and gifts for others.
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let’s show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; Hebrews 12:28