As the month of counting our blessings comes to a close, I would be remiss not to add my own thoughts on giving thanks. The longer I live, the more I’m convinced we have a choice to make in our heart’s attitude towards what life hands us. In 2014 I had the pleasure of doing a book study of Ann Voskamp’s “One Thousand Gifts” with some dear friends. At the time the study began, I had no idea what the next few years would hold for me. But it was as if the Lord was training me in the practice of documenting the gifts in life, knowing I would need to make it through the challenging days ahead.

The first chapter of Ann’s beautiful book ends with these words…

“How do we choose to allow the holes to become seeing-through-to-God-places? To more-God places? How do I give up resentment for gratitude, gnawing anger for spilling joy? Self-focus for God-communion. To fully love—to live full of grace and joy and all that is beauty eternal. It is possible, wildly.”

I wrote in the margin of my book, “Wow! This chapter stirs my heart deeply. So raw, so vulnerable. I pray this not just for me, but for my loved ones (friends, family) who need this so deeply.”

So in August of 2014 I started my own list of “one thousand gifts”, and in June of this year I penned my 1,000th entry. The entries cover a wide expanse of gratitude, including the simple things…

12. Fluffy white duvet covers on my hotel bed for a great night’s sleep.

182.  Great laughs over a game of Spades with the kids.

Important events in my children’s lives…

367. Drew passing his comps for his doctorate—a huge accomplishment and milestone.

To the really gut wrenching thanks…

542.  Pulling into Christ Community Church and seeing the hundreds of cars gathering for the funeral.

666.  Receiving the memorial edition of my brother’s book. So sad, perfect for this number (666) but the enemy will NOT prevail.

I love documenting the times God gives me a “wink”…

719.  The song “Cats in the Cradle” playing while we sit at the restaurant after Cam’s graduation.  Hugs from heaven–his Uncle Ty’s often quoted song!

And then there are the easiest of times to give thanks…

761.  Finding out I’m going to be a grandmother to a grandson! Drew and Mary are having a boy!

This entry was appropriately followed immediately by more baby news…

762.  Emily and Paul’s baby arriving on Ty’s birthday! So good of God to allow this to happen!

I had one “guest entry” when Ali snuck this entry in during last year’s spring break…

853.  I love you so much mom!  Thank you for all  you do!  You’re the best person I know and my best friend.  I’ll miss you.  Thank you for loving me so well.

My grandson’s arrival is in extra large bold print…

982.  The safe arrival of Parker Ross Darr on June 4^th, 2016!

I thought maybe Parker’s arrival would be my 1,000^th entry, but it ended up coming later that month as I was flying home from my nephew’s wedding in Cancun. My final entry was penned to the Lord…

1,000.  Knowing that no matter what, you will forever be by my side, carrying me through the storms of life. And with that, I can survive and thrive!”

I bought a small three ring binder and carefully punched the holes in these pages that contained my precious list of gifts. And then I wrote a concluding letter. I close with this excerpt…

“I hope that my children and grandchildren will read these pages and see the fingerprints of God in their mother/grandmother’s life. I pray that no matter what comes into their life, they will trust their Lord Jesus to carry them through the valley and back to the mountaintop. For what I have learned is there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God as long as we keep our heart open to Him. I will continue this practice of looking for the gifts from God in life, in the big things and the little things. For truly EVERY good and perfect gift comes from above.”