It’s been a long day. So I’m going to the archives for this one – the archives of the gratitude journal I started at a friend’s encouragement after we read One Thousand Gifts together. I love some Ann Voskamp. My heart so easily forgets my blessings and begins complaining and criticizing. Counting the many graces showered upon me reminds me that our God is good and faithful. Versus my complaining that short-circuits my view of deep mercy. Listen along as I recount a few of the 543 I’ve got so far (I’m slow – it’s taken me 20 months to get this many).

1. New pages in a journal

13. Big baby grins for: mommy, daddy’s arrival home, and bananas

14. Baby laughter

15. Fall evening drive – alone

16. Sunroof open to starry night sky on Hwy. 301

20. Awaking slowly, quietly, unhurriedly

23. Magnificent Chicago – a city whose welcome felt so familiar

24. Shared laughter and joy made richer by the years spent apart

25. Faith through tears and sorrow and grief

28. Laughing so hard your face hurts

33. Wiggly girl turned still with wide-eyed wonder at twilight

40. A community of women with whom to study God’s Word

41. A shepherd who cares for me, his sheep, promising goodness and mercy even through hard days