Appreciation In A Journal

appreciation - Appreciation in a Journal

How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? Psalm 116:12, NIV

During a challenging family time several years back, the Fergusons began journaling in what we called a “Blessing Book.” It was a particularly faith-stretching time for our family, but it became almost fun to see how God creatively provided for us.

Teresa found an attractive, lined journal, in which we recorded individual and family blessings. That year, Teresa was grateful for the huge brisket that was a surprise gift from a local restaurant owner. I was thankful for the opportunity to work at Robin and Eric’s school, which provided for us financially while giving me an opportunity to see more of my kids. These exchanges helped us focus on the positives, rather than the struggles, and brought us together with grateful hearts.

Now Teresa and I regularly take the time to do a “blessing search” with one another. We each name ways the other has blessed us, and then we express our appreciation. For example, I wrote, “Teresa, I’ve been particularly appreciative of your forgiving spirit. This week you’ve had plenty of reason to hold grudges and yet each time I’ve found your heart receptive to my confessions.” Teresa wrote, “David, I’ve been especially thankful for your attentiveness. You’ve noticed that I needed help in the kitchen or with the kids and you’ve taken initiative to help. I never had to ask for you to pitch in!”

Another part of our blessing search includes sharing our gratefulness for what God has done in our lives. We pay close attention to the often-overlooked blessings of health, life, creation, and salvation. A final step in our blessing search includes praising God for His specific answers to prayer.

It never fails—after each blessing search we are more grateful to the Lord and more appreciative toward one another. Praise and thanksgiving are contagious.

In what specific ways has God involved your spouse to bless you today? What can you do to show your appreciation for that blessing?