Multitude Mondays

We live in a country which by the world’s standards has more than we could ever need. Yet so many of us suffer from depression, despair and hopelessness.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV tells us, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I fall so far from the mark on this verse. I get so caught up in life and instead of seeing the beauty all around me, I see the minor irritations, the unrealized dreams, and the unmet expectations. I see lack rather than abundance. I see struggle rather than victory.

I recently stumbled upon Ann Voskamp’s blog, A Holy Experience, and fell in love with her Multitude Mondays posts and the Gratitude Community that has formed as a result. Something simple that began with one woman has grown into a community of people seeking beauty in the everyday moments to which we are all too often blind.

Over the next four months (until May 17), I seek to record one thousand gifts (which equals around 10 per day) and I will share some of them with you all each Monday.

I am excited to join The Gratitude Community and I am hopeful that over the next four months I will begin to see through a new set of eyes.

With that being said, here are a few of the most precious gifts I am grateful for from last week:

1. New mercies every morning (Lamentations 3:21-24)

2. That He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

4. Heartfelt talks with my sweet stepson

5. Sitting fireside in bean bag chairs with my husband

7. Daddy/daughter date nights (I’m never too old to be a daddy’s girl)

8. Memory verses that come to mind at just the right time

10. Amazing grace (not the song, but actual amazing grace)

11. The blessing of new friendships with women like Carol

13. Precious family time over a wonderful meal cooked by my sister

14. The ability to do what I love – write, serve, shepherd, and work in ministry in whatever capacity God allows

So tell me, what beauty or gift did you find over the weekend or during the day? They are all around you, waiting to be discovered.