I think I may have an aversion to journaling. Or at least that’s what I tell myself must be the problem. I love to write and explore my inner most feelings, so shouldn’t writing in a journal be right up my alley? You’d think. But nope, it’s never really been my thing. Even as a child, when diaries were enchanting with locks and keys, I could never muster more than a few weak pages. I’d spend hours versing something silly about peas and how I wished my mother would stop serving them. Hardly lock and key status. My best friend, however, fervently wrote in hers sharing everything from which boy she liked, her disdain for gym class, and the stash of Halloween candy she stored under her bed for night-time snacking. Oh how I envied her top-secretness!

However, my self diagnosed aversion along with my belief I’ll never be able to turn myself into a journaller is only one side of the problem. The other side can be described in three words, busy, busy and busy. Three kids will do that. Mine fill every nook and cranny – which isn’t a bad thing – but it makes quiet alone time, seem next to impossible. However, amidst the craziness there is something stirring within me. I’m craving to locate and pursue those elusive quiet moments and live a life more fully, intentional and focused. That’s quite a tall order!

Nonetheless, I’ve been inspired! According to a mass of clever minds out there, much brighter than mine, journaling can apparently help me in several areas. I can have increased mental clarity, reduced stress, and a better night’s sleep. Lucky me! But what’s holding my attention more is the undeniable nudge I feel from the Lord. Even though my heart is ready and willing, I often get too caught up in the busyness of life to slow down long enough to hear His voice and identify the gaps in my spirit. In the still and quiet moments of journaling the outpourings of my soul, is where He longs to come and meet with me. Moving me forward into a deeper place with him. How can I argue with that?

So journaling it is, and gratitude is where I will start.

Which as it turns out, is an interesting place for me to begin. By nature I’m a very optimistic person and for the most part thank-full. I like to think I came into the world “wired” that way. Thank-you Lord. However, living out or practicing thankfulness is a bit trickier; that takes intentionality. Which includes planning and sacrifice, 2 things that DON’T come naturally to me. Hmmm, I hear ya Lord. So for the next 3 weeks I will focus on a different area to direct my gratitude: my husband, my children, and strangers – all places that need a little tweaking. I’ll write about my learned experiences and share them. I’d love for you to join me on this journey. Every week for the month of October my gratitude journal will be exposed right here! So be sure to come back. I promise you won’t have to read about peas!

Read Week 1 Part 1
Read Week 1 Part 2

If you keep a gratitude journal yourself I’d love to hear about it and how it works for you. Feel free to leave a comment below or on our Facebook page.