#30DaysOfThanks Challenge

#30daysofthanks

Who starts a challenge on the second day of the month?! I guess I do.

First, I hadn’t planned on doing a #30DaysOfThanks anything in November. It’s not that I had planned to NOT do one. I literally had. not. planned. anything. As in, I hadn’t even thought of it! (Just keepin’ it real, folks.)

Second, once I did think of it, I wasn’t feeling it. It’s not that I’m not grateful. I am. But who needs one more thing to do….every single day? Not me.

But as my day wore on, it became increasingly clear that the chaos that had launched me into the first day of the month would only increase throughout my Thursday. But I continued to remain uncharacteristically calm in the midst of it all. I began to realize that rather than retreating and stressing over all the things that were going awry, I was developing a new skill some might call, going with it. 

For my fellow type-A, relax-challenged friends, let me explain: I simply sat back and embraced the moment. What was this odd phenomenon I was experiencing? And what was this strange sensation I was feeling? What exactly was happening…was I actually growing thankful for the chaos?

I don’t know if it’s the result of 40+ years of life and maturity or finally reaching the limit and giving up on the fight, but I soon realized the chaos and overwhelm had taught me a valuable lesson: I can’t be in control. In fact, it’s better when I’m not. I wasn’t designed or created to control time, resource, situations, or other people. When I learn to embrace that fact, I can relax, live in the moment, and trust the One who DOES hold all things together. So, yes, I guess I truly am thankful for the chaos that typifies my life.

Then the thought struck me, What if I paused for a moment regularly…say, every day…and focused on the things I am grateful for either because of the blessing they bring or the lesson I learn from them? And what if I did that for, say….thirty days? Might it just become a habit?!

And that, my friends, is how this challenge came to be. Only time will tell if lifelong habits will be formed. But one thing is sure…everything is more fun with friends, so I’m inviting you to join me in the journey.

Trust me when I say I am not trying to give you one more thing to do. Can’t post every day? No worries. What if you forget most days? No problem. There Is Grace, my friend!

But, what if you focus on the days you can pause and reflect? What if you take a moment or two or ten or twenty this month and embrace what God is gifting you right now…a loved one’s smile, beautiful scenery, or just a much-needed extra shot of espresso?

And what if you join a community of people who are doing the same? You might just find your attitude of gratitude growing. Before you know it, you might even have #30DaysOfThanks!

Are you up for the challenge?

  1. Like the ThereIsGrace Facebook page and follow me on Instagram.
  2. Post on social media about something you are thankful for every day in November. Snap a picture or just tell about it, either way.
  3. Use the hashtag #30daysofthanks and tag my page in your post.

Since free stuff makes everything more fun, we’ll be doing some fun giveaways, this month, too. So stay tuned for more details.

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