START EACH DAY WITH GRATITUDE AND GRACE

Every day we have a choice; surrender to the chaos or embrace the beauty. Both options are present every day. What we choose to do determines what kind of day we have. 

Lately, I’ve been striving to do the latter, even though at times the former seems easier and more demanding of my attention.  However, I have found a simple yet powerful practice that has helped to transform my outlook and see the beauty more easily: starting each day with gratitude and grace.

Gratitude, the practice of recognizing and appreciating the blessings in my life (family, friends, the home that I live in, and the health that I enjoy), holds incredible power to shift my perspective from one of lack to one of knowing I have enough. Taking time to acknowledge these blessings in the morning, and others big and small, cultivates a sense of contentment and joy that fills me and flows out of me throughout the day. 

Similarly, embracing grace – both in the sense of extending kindness and forgiveness to myself and others, and in recognizing the inherent beauty and imperfection of life – allows me to approach each day with peace and acceptance. Rather than dwelling on mistakes, failures, or setbacks, I choose to greet each new day with a spirit of expectancy and hope.

How do I do it?

Morning Quiet Time Practices

• Choose Gratitude: As I spend time with Jesus in the morning, I dedicate a few moments to reflect on the things I’m grateful for. Whether it's my wife in the next room, my dog laying next to me, or the scripture I just read that spoke deeply to my heart, I acknowledge my gratefulness to Him for all of them. 
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• Embrace Grace: His grace is always available, so instead of dwelling on perceived failures or shortcomings, I consciously receive the grace that He extends and literally wrap my arms around it and receive it fully.  Knowing the day ahead will be full of challenges, some of which I will fail, I choose ahead of time to give myself grace to learn and grow.

During the Day

• Express Appreciation: I try to make it a habit to express gratitude to those around me. Texting a thank-you note, offering a sincere compliment, or simply saying "I appreciate you" to a friend, family member, or colleague. Not only does this build relationships, but it also reinforces my own sense of gratitude.

By starting each day with gratitude and grace, I set the stage for a more joyful, fulfilling, and meaningful life. I encourage you to do the same. For in doing so, we not only transform our own lives but also spread light and love to all those around us.