For your consideration…
This makes sense. Right? Start each day focusing on blessings with gratitude. We know this.
I am going to just admit that as clear as I am on this, as much as I believe it with my whole heart, I struggle with it. Why? I ask myself. It is because I am a planner and very goal-oriented. I set my mind and charge forward. What is wrong with that? Nothing if I remember to celebrate the accomplishments but all too often I stay focused on the goal and what didn’t get accomplished versus what did.
That example is what today’s message is about. We are reminded to stay in gratitude and celebrate what is versus what isn’t YET.
-If our goal is to walk a mile or 10,000 steps and we walk a quarter of a mile or 2500 steps, celebrate that we walked the amount we did.
-If we accomplished 2 of our tasks versus 10, celebrate the 2 we accomplished.
-If we try something new and it doesn’t come out as we planned, celebrate that we tried and learned.
-If our goal is to lose 10 pounds and only lose 2, celebrate the 2.
-If we plan to clean out the closets and only get 1 done, celebrate the 1.
-If we plan to exercise for 30 minutes and only exercise for 10, congratulate yourself on the 10.
You get the picture. Suspend the judgement and celebrate what is. The surest way to success is celebrating success. Success attracts success. Gratitude attracts more things to be grateful for.
That is the HOPE. And so it is.
Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…
-Affirm…“I am loved.”
-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”
-Drink lots of water.
-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths…even if it is very hot or cold out.
-Be grateful for our blessings. Try to catch ourselves when we are being judgmental and hard on ourselves.
What made me smile yesterday…
-A manicure and pedicure.
-Baby quilt wrapped and mailed out.
-Cleaning out the basement I found the material for a quilt I was going to make years and years ago. Yesterday, I donated it to a quilt shop to someone who may not have the money to buy materials for a quilt.
-Happy hour at Real Seafood with Pam. We don’t get to do that as much as we used to.
-Catching up with Alex.
Love, Blessings, and Gratitude,
Rev. Chris
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