For those of us who grew up without, lost or had an unavailable father it’s easy to fall into the trap of a self-pity party. I often day dream what my life might look like today if I had the affirmation, encouragement and direction of my earthly dad growing up. I think things like…dang, if my dad was around to discern what my strength’s and talents were at a young age he could have pointed me in the right direction and helped me make better decisions. I could have been this or done that and my life would be so much better.

I heard a saying- “live life on life’s terms”. In other words I don’t have control of what happens to me in a lot of ways. I didn’t choose my family of origin, I didn’t choose to be abandoned by my dad and his inability to shake his alcoholism. The terms of my life happened the way they did and that is just life.

So, I’m faced with a choice, do I live in the emptiness of self pity and disappointment or do I lift my head up and look at all that I do have? Gratitude is the very thing that will fill me up with the goodness all around me that my heavenly Father has given me. If I am wallowing in what I don’t have I miss the gifts He has poured out all over me. I was reminded today that it is vital that I live my life with a thankful heart on a daily basis. God has provided things and people for me to be thankful for and I NEED to not miss that.

When my daughter was younger she would get in these fits of wining and complaining. We started to do what we called a “thankful list”. We would take turns naming 10 things we were thankful for. It was an effective way to switch her perspective to the blessings instead of the dissappointments. Here is my thankful list for today. I encourage you to share your’s here or with a friend or loved one.

I am thankful…

1. That God loves me unconditionally

2. For my wife and daughter

3. For the great ministry I get to be a part of

4. That I have a house, a car and food to eat

5. For my dog

6. For good relationships with my siblings

7. That I get to create art

8. For God’s word

9. That I am healthy

10. For coffee!

What are you thankful for?

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