Thank you

Even before my children could speak, I taught them to say "Please" and "Thank you." Whenever I gave them anything, I would say: "Thank you mommy." The idea was for them to eventually, hopefully, learn to say it for themselves.
Recently I was blessed to read a book titled "1000 Gifts" by Ann Voskamp.  It has completely changed my way of thinking and the way I look at the world. But it also made me realize that I,we as adults, are not very thankful.
We teach our children to "have manners" and say "thank you." Yet, how often do we say it. Not just to our closest family members and friends. But to God.
Being thankful and saying it, naming the blessings or gifts, changes your life. It is difficult to explain. It is like a gentle breeze on a hot summer day. Refreshing, even though you can't see it.
It starts slow and tedious. I had to force myself to make a list of gifts.

1. Cherry flavored Jelly Belly jelly beans.
2. Soft baby hands touching my neck.

Slowly I added to the list. Feeling mostly ridiculous. I laughed not because I felt happy, but because I thought it was silly. I determined to keep going and give it 21 days.

Then one day it happened. I was driving and saw a beautiful rainbow. Full and bright. I had to stop and take a photo. And I smiled. And I felt happy. Joyful. Full of joy. I wanted this feeling to last. So I did what I had begun a few days before.  I said "Thank you God for this beautiful rainbow. And thank you for teaching me to smile."
Take the challenge. Write your own list of 1000 gifts. Say thank you. See the difference. Feel the difference.