We were on our way to Idaho for a vacation when our doorbell rang. How did we know that? We have a ring doorbell. I looked at my phone and saw my young friend leave a white gift bag on my doorstep. I watched her go back down the sidewalk, and I wondered what was in the bag. I texted my neighbor and asked him to collect the bag and keep it until I returned. Three weeks later we returned home, and he brought the gift bag to me.
Chocolate and a Gratitude Journal were inside the bag. The note on the outside said, “Happy Mother’s Day.” Mother’s Day was long past, but the thoughtfulness of her gift warmed my heart.
As I expected, the journal began with quotes about gratitude. It promised that writing three things I was grateful for each day would affect the focus of my life. It also encouraged me to express gratitude to others. This is something I have always tried to do, but I think that I can do better. I mailed a thank you note to my friend. Then I made my first gratitude entry, saying that I was grateful for a friend who gave me a gift that would encourage me to be a better person and enrich the lives of others.
There is only a little space allotted for each entry. But there is enough space to write the date and three simple things I am grateful for. Keeping this journal will not be intimidating. I’m thinking that three simple things are not enough to contemplate being grateful for. My mind has already thought of what I might write tomorrow and the next day and the one after that. I know that I will not have to look hard to find things to record because my days are full of loved ones, friends, opportunities, and blessings.
Life is good. I am grateful.