One of my most life-altering events came about after reading a book that transformed my life. Many years ago I read a book written by Ann Voskamp entitled “One Thousand Gifts – A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are.” Ann had learned through the many painful events in her life to follow God’s word that says to give thanks in all circumstances (I Thessalonians 5:18), and it led to much healing for her.

As I put into practice in my own life the principles she had learned, I also learned the many benefits of having a thankful, joyful heart. But it wasn’t easy. Learning to give thanks at all times takes much practice, and involves deliberately taking the time to look for every possible thing to be thankful for throughout the day.

The Lord directed Ann to start writing down every single thing she could be thankful for during her days, challenging her to write one thousand things. As she went through her days, she began to notice so many little things she’d taken for granted that she could write on her ever-growing list. She was a very busy woman with a large family, but she made herself stop for a moment to write down every thankful thought that she could.

Not only did Ann write down the one thousand things that changed her life, but I decided to follow her example and start my own list of one thousand things I could be thankful for. I was quite surprised that it didn’t take as long as I thought it would. I made sure I added to that list daily everything I noticed that I could give thanks for, no matter how big or small. Some days there were few entries, but other days the thanks flowed.

When I finished my first 1,000, I just kept going. I added a second 1,000 things I found throughout my days to be thankful for, and then started on another 1,000. I don’t remember what I was up to when I finally stopped, but by then living a thankful life was second nature. I had begun a habit of looking for things every day to be thankful for, and now my mind was trained to look for and see those things.

I am so thankful for this transformation in my life because my mind no longer thinks as it used to. I went from having many negative, grumbling, complaining, worried, anxious, and fearful thoughts throughout my days to having a mind full of positive, peaceful, joyful, thankful thoughts. 

That does not mean I live in a Pollyanna world. I live in the same world I did before, with many hard days of sorrow and suffering like everyone else. But the way I perceive life and respond to all the hard is much changed. 

Yes, there are times I forget to look for the thankful things and fall into times of having a negative, grumbly attitude. But the difference is that I don’t stay there anymore. It may take a day or two, but then I realize I need an attitude adjustment. That adjustment always involves turning my heart and mind back to looking for what I can be thankful for.

As we go into this Thanksgiving season, I would like to give you the challenge that changed my life. Can you write down one hundred things before Thanksgiving Day that you can be thankful for? Then don’t stop at one hundred. Keep going and be transformed.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 845-482-5300.