Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm‬ ‭107‬:‭1

Making gratitude lists is an age old habit that recovery groups have wisely found to be helpful for the newcomer.

It is rare when I cannot find something to be grateful for. But it takes effort sometimes.

Indeed, if I find myself in so much self-pity, distress, fear or loneliness that I cannot bring to mind anything that I’m truly grateful for in that moment, I need to run to the nearest meeting, coffee shop, church, or grocery store.

Physically getting around people has been a wonderful tool to bring my mind back into right perspective.

At the minimum, I need contact with another person. Pick up the phone. Call a friend. Text if I must.

The healing and freedom that comes from little changes in my outlook toward life is traced back to the amount of gratitude I can hold on to.

But this is given in daily portions. I must ask daily for his strength, for his eyes, for his wisdom.

Because I’m a quick forgetter.

Gratitude is a lifeline if I use it everyday.

God, grant me the willingness to look past my circumstances and see my blessings.