Gifts

A month ago I was given a copy of Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts. I read it quickly because I just couldn’t help myself, and I’m still thinking about it. Voskamp’s main idea is that the key to living fully is gratitude. A friend challenged her to write down specific things she was thankful for until her list reached a thousand, and the process changed her perspective.

We hear a lot about thankfulness today, so much it can be easy to tune it out. Voskamp writes, “I, too, had read it often, the oft-quotes verse: ‘And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ’ (Eph. 5:20). And I, too, would nod and say straight-faced, ‘I’m thankful for everything.’ But in this counting gifts, to one thousand, more, I discover that slapping a sloppy brush of thanksgiving over everything in my life leaves me deeply thankful for very few things in my life.” So Voskamp started thanking God specifically—for things like “laundry flapping” and “squeak of old swing swaying” and “jam piled high on toast.” Her everyday practice eventually made it possible for her to be thankful even in places like the hospital and the cemetery.

Since I finished the book I’ve been trying to pay more attention to the little blessings in each hour and actually stop for a few seconds to write them down in a small notebook I keep on the counter. Life with toddlers is full of ups and downs, and I’m starting to realize that because the downs are so intense (Micah screaming because his blanket is stuck in the door) I tend to let the happy moments rush by unnoticed (Sky helping Micah take off his socks and shoes, saying “Don’t worry Micah! I’ll help you Micah!” in her soft mommy voice).

Sometimes I catch myself thinking my gratitude should be more spiritual. As in, I shouldn’t be so happy over a hot cup of tea with my Bible. I should be 100% focused on the Bible, right? But really, I think Voskamp is right—thanking God for little things is a basic element of deep faith. It’s how we give God the credit He deserves (hello Linnea, He created tea) and it’s probably the only way a person could pray without ceasing.

Besides all that, it’s just fun. And it makes me a happier mom.

So here are a few of God’s recent gifts to me:

… Adam fixing Sky’s ponytail at her request

… a pb&j picnic on the back porch

… Micah repeatedly lifting a jar of juice off the floor, saying “Heaby! Heaby!”

… a Veggie Tales dance party with the kids

… making my own wheat crackers and sundried tomato hummus (my pregnancy addiction!)

… Micah eating chick peas out of the strainer

… a happy text from a far-away friend about her pumpkin spice latte

… a long, slow rain and candles burning on the counter

… an hour alone with Sky to make oatmeal cookies and a huge mess in the kitchen

What has God given you this week?