As I pen this journal entry, the morning fog slowly lifts as the summer sun burns it away. The birds sing a beautiful tune to one another and a crisp breeze blows through the air. My coffee is warm to the tongue as I sip it down. 

I reflect over the past year as I come off the heels of another birthday celebrated and another notch is carved into the tree of life. 

It doesn’t bother me that I’m a year older. 

What I want to know is, am I a year older in Christ? Did I spend this past year maturing in God’s Word? Did I gain wisdom and knowledge? Did I grow in my faith?

It used to be that I would ask myself questions like, “Did I gain the successes that I wanted?” “Did I achieve all that I could?” “Did I reach all my personal goals?” 

It’s no longer questions of the flesh that I’m after but rather, questions of the soul. (Tweet this)

The sun has now overpowered the morning fog and is burning into my leg. I quickly write down in my journal — number 31, warm sun on cool summer mornings. 

One Thousand Gifts

I’m currently reading a book titled, One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, in which she dares to write one thousand things she’s grateful for — she said it changed her life.

I want my life changed. So I’m taking the dare. 

Today I wrote, number 27, cool morning breeze; number 28, sleepy-eyed boys; number 29, birthday love; number 30, the gift of giving; number 31, warm sun on cool summer mornings. 

As I move along the timeline of life, and as I sit here on day 1 of a fresh year, I ponder the things that matter most. 

Time flies and so do we. We constantly fly from thing to thing, task to task. By the time we look up, we wish we could get the time back. (Tweet this)

What if we could capture time? 

What if we could capture those things that are missed through the hurry and scurry of life? 

What if each tiny blessing is like a piece in a puzzle, revealing the beautiful picture of God’s grace?

If so, I want to collect every piece I can. What about you?

I dare you to start your list of one thousand gifts. 

I dare you to not let another day, month, or year fly by without grabbing a hold of the miracles and blessings God pours out on your life. From children’s laughter, to special moments spent with family and friends, to the sound of crickets in the still of the night, every precious moment counts.  

…number 32, the gift of gratitude. 

God bless,

Anita Marie

I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s post. Are you up for the dare? Please feel free to share in the comments below.