21 Days To Cultivate A Grateful HeartSample

Day 14: We Must be Mindful Throughout Our Days 

The things that seem normal in your everyday routines are opportunities to turn our hearts to gratitude. From the moment you wake up until the time you go to bed, be mindful as you go throughout your day. 

I have traveled in some of the poorest areas of Africa and seen some of the most grateful people who literally don’t have anything. They are thankful for the things we take for granted. Clean water is truly celebrated as a gift! 

As you brush your teeth, thank Him for the clean water and a personal toothbrush. As you go to the bathroom, do you realize that you have cleaner water in your toilet than some have to drink? And the plush toilet paper, that’s something to be grateful for too. There are things we’ve become accustomed to that we get to notice today. 

The passage in Colossians tells us to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things. As we are learning to shift from selfishness and indifference to gratitude, we begin to see everything differently. If we are looking for Him to show up and show off, I promise we will see Him. It takes a purposeful heart to see God and recognize His handiwork. 

REFLECT: Do you recognize God throughout your day? How can you remind yourself to redirect your thoughts from your busyness to His goodness that can fuel your gratefulness? 

RESPOND: Set a reminder on your phone for today only. Pick two different times and schedule a reminder that asks, “have I seen God?” or your own version of that question. We are being intentional to notice God and be mindful of the God things going on around us throughout our day.