Lately the Lord has been speaking with me about being intentionally grateful in spite of what may be going on in my life personally or in the world itself. I struggle at times with focusing on the Lord and His promises when all in the world seems so chaotic and ugly. It takes intentionality to shift my mindset and focus on God and His promises and to see the daily blessings in the midst of the chaos. Does anyone else struggle with this?! There is so much beauty in the world. He’s helping me see and reminding me to be grateful for the little pleasantries in the daily mundane happenings of my life. Things like enjoying solitude and rest with Him, enjoying the beauty and sounds of nature, gratefulness for a word of encouragement from a stranger or friend, gratefulness for being able to physically do daily tasks, and so many more things that could go unnoticed in a hectic day. I find it challenging to be informed of what is going on in the world without allowing all the negativity and chaos in the world creep in and drown out His voice. I am grateful that He is gracious and patient in reminding me of His promises and that He is always walking with me through any trials I encounter. I am grateful for the journey He has me on, but the past year has been a bit daunting in so many ways-physically, emotionally and spiritually. Yet He has remained faithful and even in the midst of chaos, I do sense His presence and peace when I keep my eyes focused on Him. I’m grateful that I can pour my heart out to Him. He already knows my needs and desires and has been working on my behalf. I’m grateful for the growth, even though it is painful at times. He is always gracious to carry me when I need it. I do enjoy the new perspectives He shows me and the grace He gives when I fall short. He has been teaching me to love others and myself better and in all things to be more grateful and grace giving.

It truly does change my mindset and perspective as I go throughout the day purposefully looking for things to be grateful for and looking for ways to better love others. It’s helped me extend more grace to others and myself. It reminds me that we are all on this journey called life, individually and collectively, and we are all working through things good and bad. There is so much more peace and joy in extending kindness, encouragement, love and gratitude to others. It’s often easy to see the negative in situations and others which only seems to lead to more divisiveness. But, with intentionality, I can be a source of encouragement and hope, it is so much fun to spread positivity and speak life into people and situations. There is a treasure in every trial- some just are harder to see and take more intentionality.

My prayer is that each person reading this will be intentional in keeping their eyes on the Lord and His goodness in these crazy times. I also pray that each will be intentional in being positive and encouraging to one another. Be a light that shines and brings out the gold in someone else. Don’t allow the negativity and divisiveness of the enemy to be the main voice you hear.

Lord, thank you for continuing to walk with me and those reading this as we walk through this life. Help us keep our eyes on You and Your promises. Help us have a tender and loving heart just like your son Jesus. May each person You bring across our path be touched by Your presence. Thank you for helping me and each individual, navigate the challenges of life, knowing You are there and have even gone before us in all situations. Help us be intentional in seeking time with You and in bringing out the gold in others. Help us find the beauty and gratitude in the seemingly mundane daily tasks of life. Thank you for the beauty of nature, smell of fresh cut grass and singing of the birds. You truly are a God of detail! We love you Lord! Amen

Who will you encourage and uplift today!?