Gratitude – Members Content

Extension Activities

Gratitude is like a wonder drug! While many people turn to escapist distractions, the simple habit of gratitude is often more effective, and more enduring in its impact, in helping us to find the joy we seek.

Gratitude Journal

“Give thanks to God in all things” – 1 Thes 5:18

St Paul beseeches us to ground our lives in gratitude, in a profound sense of God’s blessing. He doesn’t say to only give thanks for the things we already experience as blessings. He doesn’t call us to give thanks for everything in a generalised sweeping statement such as ‘thanks God for giving me life!’.

Rather, he says to give thanks in all things; the big things, the small things, the mundane things, the hard things, the ugly things, the barely even noticed things. In other words, to pay attention to the details. It is in the details that we find God’s blessing most profoundly and overwhelmingly present.

Purchase a notebook you can use as a journal. Every day spend some time reflecting on how God has gifted you in your life. Pay attention to the small things, the annoying things, the things that we normally see as problems, as well as the obvious blessings. And give thanks to God in all these things!

Forty Day Gratitude Challenge

Every day, leave a message of appreciation for your beloved. Do this for 40 days to establish a habit of gratitude. Use small cards, sticky notes or text messages to leave your messages for your beloved.