It’s the rest of the week. What are you glad for?
Do you ever pause to notice some lovely thing in your life—some blessing or goodness—only to have fear of loss leap out from the shadows? Sometimes the very things we are thankful for become fuel for worry because we are suddenly acutely aware of how easily and quickly those things can be lost.
But what if we just stopped with our gratitude for that good thing—in the moment, right now?
What if we could stay with the feeling of gladness?
(For all the wonderful, scientifically proven benefits of gratitude, the simple feeling of gladness has to be one of the best products of giving thanks).
Gratitude for what is (or what is not) creates space for the feeling of gladness—and rest.
What are you glad for right now?
you are alive, here on this planet
there is someone you love who is still here
your car broke down, but in a convenient place
you found a home
you can go to the store
you have an education and know how to find things out
you recently ate something and it tasted good
you have an animal in your life
you survived a bad decision and now you are wiser
the flaming sunset sky
recovery
nothing new or startling—the absence of drama
a difficult conversation—conversation is a gift
gathering together—as complicated as that can be, imagine not being able to do that
light
music
art and books
access to internet and news from far away
warm clothes and blankets
fans and a cool breeze
May you notice all the little and big things that enrich your life. May you recall all the catastrophes that never materialized. May you know that God is for you and that every good thing in your life is thanks to him.
And may your rest be sweet.
Alicia
“For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands” (Psalm 92:4 NASB 1995).