On this, the final day of October, what if we all made a plan for
an intentionally gratitude-filled November?
Imagine how developing a heart of gratitude could affect our attitudes over the next month.
Here are 30 ideas to turn your heart toward gratitude this
November – one activity for each day of the month.
1.
Ask the Lord to help you develop a grateful heart
and open your eyes to the abundance of gifts that are all around you.
2.
In your prayers, thank the Lord for every member
of your immediate family.
3.
Begin a gratitude journal. Grab a spiral
notebook and write down 5 things for which you’re grateful.
4.
Send a thank you note by mail to someone who did
something nice to (or for) you. Maybe
they did a very small something nice, but thank them with a note card sent
through the US Postal service. You’ll make their day when they receive it.
5.
Even if you’re experiencing financial hardship,
thank the Lord for what He’s provided and give a donation (maybe even just $1)
to a charitable organization. Some stores ask if you’d like to “round up” to the
next even dollar amount to give to charity or provide ways to give $1 or $2 to
a non-profit group as you check out. Say yes today!
6.
Prayerfully thank the Lord for your health. Even
if you’re struggling with illness, thank Him for the life and energy that He
provided for today.
7.
Thank the Lord for your Spiritual Gifts and
serve someone in need through your gifting. For example, if you have the gift
of faith, share that faith with someone who may feel discouraged.
8.
Leave an “I am thankful for you” type of note in
the lunch box or sock drawer of someone you love.
9.
When you notice kindness (someone opening a door
for another, or somehow putting others before themselves), let them know that
you noticed and say thanks.
10. Write
in your gratitude journal today. Can you list 10 things for which you’re
grateful?
11. Think
of a friend who once helped you with a problem. Give her a call and let her
know that you still remember and that it still blesses you.
12. Reach
out to someone on social media and randomly tell them you’re grateful for their
friendship. You don’t have to get "ooey gooey", but deliver a short, sweet
message of thanks.
13. Say
thank you to a teacher. This can be a school teacher, home school mom, Bible
study teacher, Pastor, or mentor. Let them know you’re grateful that they
invest in the lives of others.
14. Is
there someone who had a positive influence when you were a child? Reach out and
thank that person. If they’re no longer living, thank the Lord that He brought
them into your life.
15. Thank
the Lord today for dreams and longings that He’s placed on your heart and ask
Him for ways to turn those dreams into reality.
16. Consider
a trial or hardship that you’ve faced and write down one thing that is better
in your life because of that trial. Keep your note in a visible place and thank
God for it throughout the day.
17. Make
(or purchase) cookies today for those who work at your local police of fire
station.
18. Deliver
the cookies that you made (or purchased) yesterday.
19. Visit
the website of your local town or city and learn the name of the current Mayor
or other public official. Pray for them by name today in gratitude for their
service.
20. Write
in your gratitude journal again today. List 15 things for which you’re grateful.
21. Spend
some time sitting or walking outside, noticing nature and creation. Thank
God for His creativity.
22. Clean
out a small cluttered area in your home and gather items to donate. Express thanks
to the Lord for His abundant provision to your family. Be sure to donate the items!
23. Say
thank you to a janitor or custodian. Maybe they clean your office building, or
the restrooms in your local library. Let them know it matters to you and that
you’re grateful.
24. November
24th is Thanksgiving Day, 2016. Ask the people at your dinner table
to share something they appreciate about each other. Be sure to thank the Lord for His generous
blessings.
25. Purchase
a small Christmas gift for a neighbor that you rarely talk with. A coffee mug with a package of hot cocoa mix
is a simple idea.
26. When
you’re in line at the drive through, contribute $5 or whatever you can afford
as payment toward the order of the person in line behind you.
27. Send
a thank you card to your Pastor.
28. Consider
whether your gratitude has increased over the last month. Thank God for your
change of heart and encourage a friend to accept this 30-day challenge. Let her
know what a difference it’s made in your life. Share the love.
29. Comment
on an uplifting blog, article, or social media video and let the author know
how they encouraged or challenged you.
30. Write
in your gratitude journal. Record 20 things for which you’re grateful.
Do you have other ideas on how to express gratitude? It’s a
simple, yet powerful habit to develop. How has practicing a thankful heart
impacted your life and the lives of those around you? Please share your thoughts in the comments
below. Or continue the conversation on Facebook or Twitter.
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Be Strengthened Today, by His Word
Psalm 119:28
Cathy
