In March of this year I began a new journal, A Celebration of Small Things, in an effort to become more aware of God’s daily gifts. But after discovering the quotes below it became clear: my gratitude list is missing whole categories of blessings.
See what you think of these statements. (Note that with each quote I’ve included my own prayer-response and a corresponding scripture.)
QUOTE #1
Is the glass half empty or half full?
Just be thankful you have a glass!
—Jack Wellman
You’ve given me a beautiful glass, Father—a life overflowing with loving family and friends, days filled with purpose and pleasure, surprise blessings that satisfy my heart with joy. The words “thank you” seem trivial for such gracious gifts.
“You make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.”
Psalm 92:4 NIV
QUOTE #2
Give thanks for ‘all things’ for, as it has been well said,
‘Our disappointments are but his appointments.’
—A.W. Pink
I thank you, Father, for the doors of opportunity you’ve closed, the challenging moves to new communities you’ve ordained, and the wishes of my heart you’ve withheld. Each disappointment I know was for my benefit and your glory. Thank you for hindsight to understand in part, and the promise that one day I’ll understand in totality.
QUOTE #3
“I thank Thee first because I was never robbed before;
second, because although they took my purse they did not take my life;
third, although they took my all, it was not much;
and fourth, because it was I who was robbed and not I who robbed.
—Matthew Henry,
on the night he was robbed
Thank you, Father, for Henry’s example of grateful positivity. No doubt he lifted his own spirit with such a prayer, and I can imagine your smile of approval as well. When trouble assaults my life, may I be as grateful and positive as Matthew Henry.
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
QUOTE #4
There’s one thing for which you can be thankful—
only you and God have all the facts about yourself.
—Dub Nance
Oh, Lord, thank you for being a God who delights to show mercy, lavishes compassionate forgiveness, and understands well my frailty. Thank you also for molding me day by day into the image of Christ—in spite of my shortcomings (Micah 7:18b; Psalm 103:12-14, and 2 Corinthians 3:18).
QUOTE #5
The best things are nearest:
breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes,
flowers at your feet, duties at your hand,
the path of God just before you.
—Robert Louis Stevenson
Oh, yes, Father. Thank you for numerous “best things” close at hand such as: a spontaneous hug, the chortling giggles of a grandbaby, a carnival of birds frolicking in the backyard trees (at least six species at once), and savory chicken/sausage soup—made by Steve—for a bleak and blustery day.
“Rejoice in all the good which the Lord your God has given to you and your house.”
Deuteronomy 26:11 (emphasis added)
Indeed, ALL the good. Thank you, Father, for bringing to mind these new blessings to count.
And now, precious readers, which quote especially caught your attention? I’d love to hear about it. Please share your choice and thoughts below!
(Art & photo credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.heartlight.org; www.canva.com (2); http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.pexels.com.)
From the Inside Out 
I love 4 this morning…today is a new day and all of my insufficiency, God knows full well and offers more grace towards me than I have in my little finger to give myself. Thank you for these reminders.
Beautifully said, Lisanne. Years ago we used to sing a song, “Isn’t He Wonderful.” The older I get the more I appreciate just how wonderful he is–beginning, continuing, and ending with his all-pervasive grace. Thank you for stopping by!
Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving Nancy, Steve and family, Nancy, you are so right and thank you for these quotes and Scriptures and thoughts. I will share with my morning Bible Study on Sunday. So even more will be Blessed by your blog. Blessings to all, Love, Janet
Thank you, Janet. I’m honored you consider the post worthy to share. Blessings and a Happy Thanksgiving to you, too. Hopefully you’ll spend it with family–surrounded by love, laughter, and entertaining grandkids!
Oh, I love these! Especially #3 and #4. #4 is especially true for me, but I’d have to say #3 resonates the most. I love Mr. Henry’s response to what must have been a frightening and violating event. THAT grateful heart is what I aspire to and what I hope for my children. What a lovely group of quotes and reflections, Nancy. Thank you!
Isn’t Henry’s attitude amazing? I’m with you: his grateful heart is an example to aspire to. And I love that your response includes your children, that you hope to instill such gratitude in them too. It’s a powerful discipline providing positive impact on us in many ways. Your example of gratitude to your family is a precious gift to bestow!
wow, #3 ad 4 really got to me. wow. Nancy, this post is another potential book! I love your insights, prayers, verse and quotes with this! What a lesson – inspirational
Thank you, dear friend, for your kind encouragement and another book idea. I did have ten quotes collected that fit this theme; chose my five favorites to post. I’ll have to keep my eyes open for other possibilities!
Nancy, I so admire that you have started your new journal…being grateful for the small things…and that it led to this post. I cannot choose a favorite, as all five are enlightening. Looking at things from a different perspective (like #1) is inspiring. Quote #2…I am looking forward to understanding various happenings in my life someday. What a beautiful attitude is expressed in #3 by Mr. Henry. And #4…He knows everything in my heart (the good, bad, and ugly) and forgives and loves. Finally, #5 I experienced yesterday while visiting great-greats David (age two) and Leah (age six months). The joy David got while hiding behind a chair while I ‘found’ him! And the sweet little giggles from Leah! I am blessed and will be sharing all five morsels throughout Thanksgiving week! By the way, that chicken/sausage soup sounds delicious!
So glad you found much here to contemplate. As for #5: The young children in our families ARE like flowers at our feet and do bring light to our eyes! P.S. I’ll try to find that recipe and email it to you!
That would be great, Nancy, to have that recipe! Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!
Hi Nancy,
When things go wrong and you feel your fragileness, it’s a reminder we need the Lord. This was a screw up day, but He has His reasons and I should not beat myself up.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving,
Gary
Amen, Gary. Praise God we can come to him with a repentant heart and find forgiveness and restoration. “He knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14). May you have a happy Thanksgiving as well!
Thank you.
So happy to find this post and to be encouraged by your reading adventure! I’m looking forward to starting a new journal soon. It always feels momentous.
You’re so right about new journals, Michele, with all those fresh blank pages that promise discovery! Thank you so much for stopping by with YOUR encouragement. I’ll see you over at incourage and elsewhere! 🙂