As I was researching family traditions and activities for advent, I ran across the blog of Ann Voskamp (http://www.aholyexperience.com/). I was interested in her Jesse Tree Devotional, but decided to wait until Elias is a bit older. As I was looking at her blog, I noticed that she recently authored a book called One Thousand Gifts. Since I love reading, I put it on hold at the library. After picking it up after story time, I began reading.
I’m not finished with the book, but I’ve decided to begin a new practice based on the book anyway. The author is challenged to write 1000 gifts, and she does. The book is mostly about finding joy in every day life. That is something I’d like to do. I like lists. I want to be thankful and joyful. I want to live life to the fullest. So I’m going to write 1000 gifts. I don’t know how long it will take. I probably won’t share them all. But I’ve got paper and a pen ready, and I’m going to open my eyes and see the bounty around me.
So here goes. Here are the first few I’ve written for this morning. I took pictures to share (which I probably won’t do all the time).
1. Messy hair in the morning.
2. My son playing in pajamas.
3. Frost on evergreen needles.
4. Uncles singing to their nephews.
5. Jesus. The shepherd of all. Especially the lone and lost sheep.
6. Cows nuzzling their calves.
7. Mothers feeding their young.
8. New life.
9. A look of determination.
10. Quiet breaths on my shoulder.
11. Clicking of keys on the keyboard.
12. Wind rustling leaves.