Its day 9,854,398 of COVID life.  Or at least that’s what it feels like.  And while there are some changes from day to day, the overall mood of the day, week, and month seems to stay the same.  Coronavirus is a constant, unwelcome presence that reminds me every day of it’s ability to quickly impact so many different facets of our lives.  It has become far too easy to be weighed down with anxiety and stress.  Too easy to be overwhelmed by all the changes. Too easy to be burdened by the negative news.

But even in the midst of all this chaos and uncertainty and waiting, there is still space for gratitude.  There is always space for gratitude. 

And it is our gratitude that will lift us up and out of the circumstances that weigh us down.  It is our gratitude that will counteract our anxiety.  And it is our gratitude that will give us hope as we look forward. 

According to Robert Emmons, professor of Psychology at the University of California, Davis, and the founding editor-in-chief of The Journal of Positive Psychology,

“not only will a grateful attitude help—it is essential. In fact, it is precisely under crisis conditions when we have the most to gain by a grateful perspective on life. In the face of demoralization, gratitude has the power to energize. In the face of brokenness, gratitude has the power to heal. In the face of despair, gratitude has the power to bring hope. In other words, gratitude can help us cope with hard times.” 

Gratitude, for things both big and small, shifts our perspective from our troubles to our blessings.  Sometimes we may need to dig a little deeper than usual to unearth the blessings in our lives that can be overshadowed by larger life events.  But just because they are hidden in the shadows doesn’t mean they don’t exist.  And that is where we need to focus our attention and energies…on the daily blessings that God has graciously gifted us.

I will admit that I have struggled with summoning up gratitude over this past month.  Like many of you, the curve balls keep coming and the effects of their impact are cumulative.  I was being weighed down by stress and anxiety.  Something needed to change.  I needed to reset my focus and my heart on those things for which I am grateful.

So I started a new practice.  A new take on a gratitude journal that I want to share with you.  It’s quick.  It’s easy. And it starts each day off with gratitude which weaves throughout the rest of my day.

A while ago, I ordered a 5-year, One-Line-A-Day journal.  My intention at the time was to fill out each day’s happenings so that I could look back and see the blessings and God’s hand at work throughout my life.  It was a place to record the memories of my everyday life.  However, as I seek to start each day with gratitude, I have modified my approach.  Now, each morning as I drink my coffee (and before I check my emails), I list five things from the day before for which I am grateful. 

Here’s a peek at what my gratitude list looks like:

1. Number one on my list is always God. 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (NIV)

Psalm 118:1 reminds me each and every day that I am not alone.  It reassures me that I am always loved, always supported, and always known.  Regardless of what is going on around me, God’s loving presence is constant.  And that is the reassurance I need during trying times

2. Number two on my list is always family and friends.

One of my favorite quotes is from Flavia Weedn: 

“If I could sit across the porch from God, I’d thank Him for lending me you.”

And that is precisely what I do each morning as I write “family and friends” in my journal.  As I give thanks for each person by name, my perspective shifts from the stressors in my life to immense gratitude for the abundance of support, wisdom, love, generosity, kindness, humor, patience and joy that each relationship brings. 

3-5. Numbers three through five are specific to my day or my circumstances. 

No gratitude-worthy entry is too small.  In fact, yesterday, I was grateful for the carrot cake we had for my daughter’s birthday (I was incredibly thankful for her birthday too!) And, there is no reason to limit yourself to 5 items. It’s your gratitude journal so do what works for you!

That’s it. A simple, 5-step practice to begin each day with gratitude. It’s so easy that you could even start it today.

While we may not be able to change our circumstances or the world around us, gratitude enables us to shift our perspective.  Practicing it daily allows us to see God at work in our lives in the big and the small.  Creating a journal over the years opens our eyes to God’s faithfulness through all times and ultimately cultivates a grateful heart within us.  And that is something for which I am incredibly grateful!

Who and what are you grateful for today?