Monday, January 16, 2017

Honest Gratitude In the Midst of Grief

Here's a message my widow friend Lisa recently sent out on Facebook. She had followed my advice about a "Blessing Jar" for all of 2016! I think you'll be almost as encouraged as she was when she saw the honesty and change it brought to her outlook.

Did you notice I just used the word "honesty?"

As Christians we can be honestly thankful every day. No matter what, God's blessings are in operation and they do surround us. A Blessing Jar helps us recognize them. To refuse to acknowledge or see them --- I daresay that's dishonest. I'm not saying we're happy or thankful our husbands are gone, but rather that in spite of loss, we are still blessed by God's faithfulness and goodness demonstrated by the friends and provision He gives us. How many blessings can you list for today?

It's not too late to start your Blessing Jar. Click here to see how I've been doing it for the past few years.
Lisa C. feeling blessed.
December 31, 2016 at 4:00pmSaint Charles, IL
My Blessings Jar.
Wow is that full! I started out in January writing something down every single day. I needed a daily reminder that there were blessings in my life. As the year began to unfold I realized I wasn't having to make a point to put a note in the jar because I was seeing the blessings more clearly. So as I read them today they have brought happy tears to my eyes. Because even though I don't like where my life is right now, and as I know my grief is changing me and I'm not yet my 'new self' I'm reminded of all the things that are right in my life. I made a lot of new friends and continued to nurture my existing friendships. My family continued to love and support me. I went on some great trips. Did we get together this year for a meal or a drink? Did we have a phone or text conversation this year? Did we go see a movie? Then you have been one of my many blessings. And I thank you for that. I'm going to get myself a new (bigger) jar for 2017 and I'll put a lid on this jar and put it on my bookshelf. #Blessings2016

P.S. Last year I offered free labels for the blessing jar--- here's a link to the post that inspired Lisa to start her blessing jar. ♥ ferree

2 comments:

  1. FlowerLady LorraineJanuary 16, 2017 at 9:56 AM

    Thank you Ferree and thank you Lisa.

    A wonderfully encouraging post at the start of 2017.

    Love & hugs ~ FlowerLady

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ferree Bowman HardyJanuary 16, 2017 at 10:00 AM

      Blessings on you for 2017, Lorraine. May your blessings jar overflow! Love and hugs to you too. You are always such a joy and encouragement.

      Delete

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