For my kid's teacher's I made 10 paper boxes with a divider in each and a small treat in one half and strips of blank paper on the other half. The following letter was attached.
This GRATITUDE BOX is given to you because we are grateful for you. Because you are willing, we are able to be taught all that God wants us to learn.
An excerpt from “Holy Experience” by Ann Voskamp opens our eyes to the need of a grace for the little things.I am seeing things I have never seen before, attuned and aware of this constant, endless stream of gifts from His hand. I am one waking from slumber....from the stupor of indifference and ignorance. I have sight, fresh and keen---the world is new and full of His gifts.
Too often I miss Him, oblivious, blind. I don't see all the good things that He is giving me, gracing me with, brushing my life with. True, He is everywhere, always. Seeing the things I love all around me gives me eyes to see that I am loved, that He loves me.
...as John Milton wrote: "Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world."
Everyday epiphanies everywhere, indeed: gifts....Grace.
"... the smell of the florist’s... the sound of kernels of corn streaming, tinkling.... leaves floating in puddles..." Just writing them down as they happen.
...cracking open a new book... pushing children on the swing.... old men looking at cards in the stationery aisle..."
George MacDonald wrote, "No gift unrecognized as coming from God is at its own best...when in all gifts we find Him, then in Him we shall find all things."
As the school year comes to an end this GRATITUDE BOX gives you the chance to see God in the everyday things. Each day write down something you see or feel or experience or get to do that you can be grateful for... and know how He loves. (Of course, you can eat the treat too!)
I've already been extremely blessed by the small journal at our Disciple Niche that has the beginnings of what I'm sure will be an abundant list of Grace. It is not just for me to use but I have invited the whole family and even guests to help us see Jesus in everyday.
And though the Gratitude Community begun by Ann Voskamp is typically a Monday post, I couldn't help but begin today to share our gifts.
#1. Him sleeping peace next to me as I create in the middle of the day.
#2. Eyes to see amazing grace and sharing that grace with others.
#3. Singing children cleaning up after a meal together.
#4. The with the long, long, hair that got tired of the messy ick and so she went on a cleaning spree -- kitchen floor, front porch and sidewalk, living room and hall floors, then topped it off with cleaning not just one but two bathrooms. Wow!
