Gratitude Exercise

A few weeks wasn’t so bad. In March, we enthusiastically applied our minds to new ways of doing church, school, business, and family. Some of us tried our hands at homemade bread and others got some much-needed house projects done. Cute, right? To think of ourselves at the beginning of all this. But as the months drew on, what was a mere inconvenience became a source of much frustration, anxiety, and loss.

There are no words to fully describe the year 2020. If the pandemic was all, that would be enough. But racial tension and political division have wreaked their own kind of havoc. I don’t have to tell you of the loss we’ve all experienced. You have your own losses that are close to your heart and I have mine.

Even so, I have a feeling that, if you give yourself the time, you’ll be able to think of so much more than the trite answers we give as we go around the table, anxious to get to the turkey. This year, you know what’s important. This year, Thanksgiving can be a much needed time of healing. A time of remembrance of what the Lord has accomplished.

Psalm 143:5 says, “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.”

A study Bible explains it this way “Being at the end of his strength need not mean that he gives up; if he can remember the days of old, he can have fresh courage to stretch out his hands to God. The weary soul thirsts for God as its source of energy.”

So, let’s remember. Here’s an exercise that you can do this week to meditate on how God has worked throughout the specific circumstances in your life.

1. Take a sheet of paper and divide it into 6 (or more!) boxes. At the top of each, write a different area of remembrance. Here are some ideas, but we’d love to hear if y’all have any others!

People – Mentors or those God used in your life
Rough seasons – Those times you felt like God forgot you but later saw how He worked or will maybe see now for the first time
Childhood
College
Career
Family

2. Give yourself time to really think of how God has worked in your life. Find courage as you see His loving hand that’s been there all along.

And if you haven’t been a believer very long or even if you wouldn’t call yourself a Christian now, God has been working behind the scenes. Look back on those past memories with fresh eyes.

3. Spend time thanking the Lord for how He’s worked. Ask Him to give you courage as you step into the days ahead knowing that He is living and active.

If you complete this exercise, we’d love to see it! Take a photo, share it on Instagram, and tag @valmariepaper. Feel free to cover up parts that are personal!