Pause: A Month of Gratitude in Five Minutes a DaySample

Proclaim

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:8-9)

Prompt

I took up running a few years ago, and the more I’ve done it, the more I’ve learned how much I enjoy it. I don’t always love starting my run, but I sure do love finishing it! I always feel a sense of accomplishment, like I’ve pushed myself toward what’s best for me that day.

Running is as much mental exercise as it is physical. Sure, it takes time to build up your physical body to endure miles and miles of pounding the pavement, but even more difficult is overcoming the mental temptations to quit early, take the easiest route, or just not go out that day.

It helps to run with gratitude for the end. I fully know that, when I finish my race, I’m going to feel amazing! I’ll be that much closer to my overall goals, my health will have improved, and who knows what ideas or breakthroughs God might’ve given me while I’m out there.

The hard areas of our lives become easier when we’re preemptively grateful for what lies on the other side of them.

Prod

What sort of gratitude can you take into one of the hard areas of your life today? What can you be grateful for regardless?

Praise

Listen to “Testify to Love” by Avalon

Pray

Jesus, thank you for this breath and the one that follows. Thank you for giving me the strength to do the hard things in my life and see them through. I know the ending is going to be amazing! I’m so grateful for my life today. Amen.