Gratitude List: 40acts Day #3

“The greatest thing is to give thanks for everything. He who has learned this knows what it means to live.” ~Albert Schweitzer, Reverence for Life

I remember getting a book when I was in first year university that was for keeping track of moments of gratitude. I filled it out regularly for about 3 months, not too long, but long enough it could have become a habit. Sadly, it didn’t. Not that I don’t practice gratitude; I give thanks to God every day. But I suspect there is something to putting it in writing.

I wish I knew where that book was now because I’m curious–what were the moments I was thankful for? Are they things I overlook now? Does 16 years change someone’s gratitude list?

I imagine the core stays the same. Family, friends, food, shelter, warmth. It is wise attention to these things that keeps us grounded. Perhaps it’s the details that shift, like light through a stain glass window. Moments of radiance that you never saw before, or never took the time to notice. And sometimes that’s all it takes to steal your breath away.

So here’s my list of some of those moments today:

– The smell of coffee first thing in the morning, and that first sip, piping hot with cream and just a bit of sugar.
– My husband’s laugh and the way his eyes crinkle.
– Hot water and a working bathroom.
– Creaking floors in my little crooked house—it’s like I’m being told a story with every step.
– Thankful for people who are 88 years young and still enjoying life’s journey. Amazing.
– A church community that cares for one another in tangible ways.
– Hard working colleagues with good senses of humour.
– A packed lunch at work–convenient and delicious.
– Seat warmers in the car.
– A cardinal sitting in the bird feeder, red against the winter’s snow.
– The warmth of a cat snuggled up on my lap.

Finally…
– Light through a stain glass window, and a gratitude list that encouraged me to take the time to notice.