“One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp came into my hands at exactly the right time. Wanting joy restored to my life and willing to deliberately seek, but not exactly sure how or where to find; I think my friend, Mary, listened to the Spirit’s prompting and mailed me the book.

 

For the past several weeks I’ve been practicing its core premise of eucharisteo—to be grateful; feel thankful; and give thanks—as the door for joy to reenter. I’ve followed the author’s example and begun a list of 1000 things I love. Her list’s #1 item was a perfect example of inspiration: morning shadows across the old floors.

 

First on my list was: sound of crows in early morning quiet. I smiled when I wrote that down in my “1000 Gifts” journal and I’m smiling as I type it now. It’s fun to consciously look for things I love; but it’s even more fun to feel the joy surge when I write them down.

 

My #10: warm clean clothes fresh out of the dryer. I’ve always liked to hug their warmth, but I’d never written it down until now. I’m smiling again.

 

#24: being awakened in the night by waves of aroma from the baking Thanksgiving ham.

 

#34: sowing wildflower seeds in the fall.

 

#59: brightly colored scarves.

 

#68: listening to the wind before a storm

 

#98: the smell of cornbread baking in my old iron skillet

 

#141: the tiny sound that dry leaves make when they fall

 

#157: thick red clover in the pasture

 

What a wonderful trade—I give him thanks and he gives me joy.

 

 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;

 

go into his courts with praise.

 

Give thanks to him and praise his name.

 

Psalm 100:4