Day 3 of The Purposeful Gratitude Project

While running errands this morning, I drove through our small town thinking about what 5 things I would show gratitude for today. I kept thinking about all of the challenges going on in my life and I realized that gratitude truly is something we have to purposefully decide to be, do, and have. My mind was running through the long list of "woe-is-me-isms" (I made that up!). I had to deliberately do what Philippians 4:8 tells us to do: "Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable." (God's Word Translation 1995). Considering the struggle today, I am sure that God wants my obedience so that He can change my oft-times "stinking thinking"!

Today, I am grateful for:

1. Our mailman. Yep, you read it right! John brings the mail with such a positive attitude. I ran into him on the streets one day and he knew me. He wanted to know how I was doing. He asked about my family. In other words, he took the time to let me know that I'm more than a house number on a street in an envelope with my name on it. I am another human being and he honors that. Awesome!
2. WIHS. This is our local Christian radio station. I appreciate the programming and how it always ministers to me when I need it most.
3. Deacon Billings. He's my 71-year-old god-father, and because he is so loving and caring to everyone he meets,. People actually choose him to father them. You see, I made him my god-father about 3 years ago, and so have 4 other people I can think of at this moment. He never judges you and he always listens.
4. People who go out of their way to lift my spirits. Sometimes that stinky attitude of negativity looms over us like dark clouds. I appreciate people who smile, and make it their business to get me to smile before I leave their presence.
5. Life. We lost a dear member in our church last week. She was full of life, but suddenly she was gone. It made me think about just how precious waking up and doing what I do is ... life is precious and I hope to take nothing for granted any more.

What about you? What are you grateful for today?

Blessings,

Dr. Angela aka "The Purpose Professor"