1000 Gifts

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This past January, I thought I'd try the Ann Voskamp thing and keep track of things I'm thankful for by listing them in my journal by number. Today I hit the number 1000. What an interesting day to do it! I'm sick...I think it is a sinus infection but it may be becoming an ear infection. I'm somewhat overwhelmed by all the tasks I have before me with a trip to Alberta coming up June 29th and a move to Selkirk July 25th. (It's a downsizing move so that means there is stuff to get rid of, not just stuff to pack.) And I think I'm going through the “end of school blues”..... even though I'm not the student! Oh yeah... and I have 4 things to bake or make food for in the next 48 hours!

Okay, okay. Enough grumbling. Maybe you can relate?!?
 
In many ways, it is a great day to reach the “goal” of 1000 gifts that I have given thanks for as it reminds me that giving thanks is a day by day, moment by moment thing. God is here right now. He is giving me what I need. He is blessing me with His presence, His resources, and His mercy. “1000 Gifts” isn't a destination, it is a way of life.
 
A worship chorus refrain comes to mind:
 
“I will arise and give thanks to You, Lord my God,
And Your name I will bless with my whole heart
You have shown mercy,
You have shown mercy to me.
I give thanks to You, Lord.”

from “I Give Thanks” by Brian Thiessen

So this week, I hear the “rise” from Peter to the lame man from last week's blog and say to my soul “Tracy, arise and give thanks to the Lord.... He has shown great mercy to you.”
 
grace and peace,
Tracy




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