a gratitude list..

A gratitude list..

I've been writing them lately. I feel it helps me, helps me be thankful. We take so many things for granted.. and we say we don't sometimes, but we do. Try it out.. at least once a week. It's ok to write some of the same things.

my list..

Dad. No, not blood dad.. Jesus is my dad.. I don't even call him Jesus or God too much anymore, at least not in my prayers.. I call him dad. Thankfully, my dad wasn't there since day one, so God has filled that spot in a big way, and I don't struggle with calling him that becuase no one has ever been that. I love my dad.

My mom. Oh gosh.. we've been through so much over the years.. I love her, and I'm just thankful that we can talk right now.

Sobriety.. I began partying when I was 14yrs old... what drugs or alcohol did I like you may be wondering.. I'll narrow it down.. I liked "anything," "everything," "more," "yours," and "free." That about sums it up, yes? I was trying to fill a God shaped void.. I let Him fill it up over and over, every day now. My desire is gone. I am aware though, if I stop letting Him fill me, it could come back.

My daughter. I love her so much.. and there's too much to say.. but.. I love her. I thank God for her.

Danielle. We may not get along or see things the same way.. but I thank God that she is taking care of Grace while I can't. I thank God for that.

Crossroads. This is my family. I love these people, more than anything in the world. God has worked through this community to help facilitate life change for me. I love each and every single person here, with all of my heart.. and I'm not just talking about the wonderful people here that I know so well now, but even the ones I don't. I don't know how to explain it.. how to explain how I can literally love each and every person I pass in here, but I do. It's amazing.. I can only do this because God has shown me this kind of love.

My health. After my history of substance abuse, I feel so blessed that I am in such good health. God has had his hand on me.

My cousin Ryan. I never thought we'd talk again, but God has His way of taking care of things like that..

My friends. Wow I have some fantastic friends, and I'm making new ones all the time.. and they're all just so great. I love them all so much.

Those are the bigger things today.. but I could go on and on with this list.. I feel better even now.. after writing it.. I have so much gratitude..

Try it now.. write out a list, but write a long one.. put everything you can find on it. I promise, it'll brighten your day.