Three Good Things

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

“For MOPS, we’re supposed to do a ‘3 Good Things’ challenge for the next fourteen days,” I messaged my friend Andrea one Wednesday. “As part of it, you’re supposed to pick a friend and text them each evening with the list of things you’re grateful for. Is it okay if you’re my person?” Our moms’ meeting the night before had focused on cultivating gratitude, and I was eager to get started.

“Yes! Can you be my person?” she responded immediately.

I quickly agreed, excited to try out the challenge and have an accountability partner to keep me on track. Studies have shown that a challenge like this can boost your happiness level for up to six months following the exercise.

As we messaged back and forth each day, I was struck by how small or specific the reasons to be grateful often were: hot coffee, a rosy sunrise, a quiet house, the kids getting along with each other, soaking in the hot tub while it snowed, a chat with a friend, renewed health after a temporary illness, a new book, a visit from grandparents, or an ice-cream sundae.

The good things we listed weren’t huge in and of themselves, but they added up to a good life over time—one in which challenges still existed, but so did grace and gratitude. As Christians, we’re asked to rejoice in this day. Our gracious God not only made it but he also gave us the opportunity to be alive to experience it. When we wholeheartedly embrace our day, we become aware of how many good things are present in our lives. Naming reasons to be grateful adds joy to our hearts and brings renewed purpose to our efforts.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Find an accountability partner and commit to a “3 Good Things” challenge. Over the next fourteen days, send each other three things you’re grateful for each day.