Notice The Gifts

Here’s a simple exercise that can help us enjoy this day:

Just for today I will take time to notice the gifts in me, in others, and in my surroundings and let the rest go.

We are encouraged in this exercise in the Bible in this way:

Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. 

Philippians 4:8

Both in the Bible and in the “12 Promises of AA” we are encouraged to trust that as we build our lives on the unfailing love of God and maintain our sobriety, we will notice certain gifts coming alive in us. 

These gifts include: experiencing new freedom and joy in life; seeing how our experience can benefit others; shifting from self-seeking to interest in others; growing the ability to handle situations that used to baffle us. 

The best gift is saved for the last, “We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.”

Give thanks to the Father. He has made you able to have what he has promised to give all his holy people, who live in the light. 

Colossians 1:12

Loving God, it is very strengthening and life-giving to pay attention to what is changing and growing and becoming beautiful.  Thank you for the many things we see not only things in our surroundings and in people with whom we are relating, but also in our own story as You bring us out of darkness and fill our lives each day Your marvelous light.

God chose you to be his people. You are royal priests. You are a holy nation. You are God’s special treasure. You are all these things so that you can give him praise. God brought you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

1 Peter 2:9

Continue to retore our vision so we can notice gifts in even the difficult circumstances and relationships.  Help us to take time all day long to look for and to give thanks for all You are making available right now and throughout this day.  Amen

Go ahead.  Make a little mental list right now of some gifts you are noticing.  It will do your heart good.