It's a bright, cool, crisp Sunday in North Texas and the air has hints of the spring to come.
And although there have been stressful and trying times, I also find I have a lot to be thankful for - healthy children, wonderful husband, safe warm home - the list is endless.
Being thankful for the small things in life that make everything seem possible, achievable. This is the premise of Ann Voskamp's book, "One Thousand Gifts: A Dare To Live Fully Right Where You Are."
In this fascinating book, Ann tells of how a friend challenged her to make a list of 1,000 things she was thankful for, and how along the way of making this list she found a peace and harmony for her life that she was missing. She began to apply a practice of eucharisto (translated from Greek for "to give thanks") to her everyday life, keeping a journal of things that she was thankful for - the laughter of a child, the sun shining through soap bubbles making rainbows, for toast - things that made day-to-day living a little more special.
Ann shares her life in this small book, and although it was once filled with tragedy and strife, she shares with her readers her journey back to being thankful, and through her words and lessons, shows how the reader can also find a map to the way back to happiness.
Ann's website at http://www.onethousandgifts.com/ is one of the most beautiful websites I've run across in a long time. There you can find Ann's story, how her book is affecting readers all across the world, listing of things other people are thankful for, and much more! Check it out and expect to spend a lot of time there!
Ann's daily journal, A Holy Experience, can be found here. (click button to go directly to the page.)
What are you thankful for in your life? Find a blank book, even a simple spiral notebook, and start your list. I think you'll be surprised at how fast you make it to 1,000 things you are thankful for!
I was sent this book by the publisher, Zondervon Books, in exchange for a fair review. I was not compensated for my opinion.
CHALLENGE FULFILLMENT: 100+ Books; Where Are You Reading?