Psalm 107:1

I want to take the time tonight to just thank God. He has done and is still doing so much in my life that I forget to be thankful for. Instead of trying to fix myself and focus on the negative stuff tonight, I am going to give thanks.

Thank you, Jesus,

1. for parents who love me with all of their heart and are proud of me
2. that my parents are still together after 22 years
3. for a sister that can read my mind
4. that I live in a nice house in a nice area, and I don't have to be fearful at night
5. for a wonderful boyfriend whom I trust with all of my being
6. for never overwhelming me with tragedies
7. that I am able to pursue a higher education through college
8. for evie, blue, little kitty and mittens
9. for always providing food, shelter and nourishment
10. for never giving up on me, even when I gave up on you
11. for providing me with a job I enjoy
12. for a set of really outstanding grandparents
13. that I don't have to pay for school
14. for my outgoing nature (even though sometimes it can be a bit much)
15. for giving me a world of opportunities, and a chance to succeed

The list, of course, could go on. And on. And on. I am so caught up in trying to fix myself, that I forget to take moments to thank and praise God for the good things in my life.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 107:1

Let us remember this verse when all we want to do is complain. Awhile back, my mom was telling my dad how she thought the house was such a mess. "Now say something positive," he said. Apparently her therapist had used this exercise with my mom when she was feeling down. For each negative thing she'd say, the therapist told my dad to catch it and make her be thankful for something. "Well, it does smell nice in here," she said. It was certainly a start. This exercise always stuck with me, and I think it could be a huge help when I'm being ungrateful. I have so much to give thanks for, and if I can get myself in the habit of conquering each negative statement with a positive one, I know I'll be on a better path to fixing my brokenness.

-Kristen