Practicing Gratitude

Our schedule has seemed incredibly busy lately and often because of personal and family commitments, we don’t make it to church on Sunday morning. So, we’ve been listening to Greg Boyd’s sermons online. Greg is the senior pastor at Woodland Hills Church – a growing church with a strong outreach ministry on the eastside of St. Paul, Minnesota. This week, his message focused on developing a daily habit of practicing gratitude. There are so many things that happen in our lives every day, and in the busyness of the moment, we may overlook opportunities to reflect and be grateful. Studies indicates that it takes about 8 weeks to effectively incorporate a new habit into our lives and integrating a practice of gratitude can have a dramatic impact on our lives – oftentimes it may lead us to nurture a sense of contentment as well as help ignite more energy and embrace a more optimistic attitude. By keeping a daily journal and taking time to jot down the positive moments, we create a tangible record of good things happening in our lives.

In the midst of the doldrums of February – even longtimers in this neck of the woods agree this has been a very long winter – this exercise has been extremely helpful for me. in just the past week, we’ve been "surprised by joy" by so many good things: good health of our family and the successful heart surgery and recovery of our dear brother-in-law; being able to get together and celebrate Valentine’s Day with lifelong friends; for my husband who continues to expand his talents (in his free time, he’s learning to frame!) and loves the challenges of his work; for a sturdy home that shelters us in the midst of winter snowstorms; and for the arrival of our newly adopted beautiful baby granddaughter from India. Magnolia (Mia) Carimona Suganna is God’s answer to two years of praying for a special child, and she joins her new mom and dad and three older brothers in her loving, forever family. Throughout the entire process, we have been in awe at the many ways God has gone ahead, opened doors, prepared hearts, and made straight the path. We are so thankful.

 

This week’s painting continues my theme of rural barns in winter. Weathered Grey, 8”x10” on 300 lb. Watercolor paper, captures the scene at the end of a quiet, snow-lined lane.