In Everything Give Thanks

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In everything give thanks for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
I am discovering that living a life of thanksgiving is truly life changing.  In fact, for the last several weeks I have been recording things I am thankful for each day in a thanksgiving journal.  The Lord sends me sweet surprises during the day whether it be a smile from an older woman at the grocery store, a hummingbird at my window or hearing my son, Samuel, offer godly counsel to a friend over the phone.  My heart is overflowing with thanksgiving.
After homeschooling our children for 15 years I am now a brand new substitute teacher in our county's public school system.  My dear friend, Ana, took me to three elementary schools to introduce me to school secretaries, principals and teachers. Amazingly my October calendar is completely filled with substitute jobs.  I was in the same classroom three days this week and have been so blessed by this precious group of students. A few have physical challenges (wheel chair, leg braces) and continue to smile. In fact, their smiles light up the classroom and greatly encourage my heart. I am so thankful that I have gotten to spend time with these students and look forward to several more days this month in their classroom.
Even when teaching, the Lord sends me sweet surprises.  The picture above is artwork a group of third grade girls did for me on Monday.  A cardinal sang for the longest time in the dogwood tree outside the classroom I was in today.  When we were walking to lunch a student noticed the moon still in the sky (they are studying the phases of the moon).  Butterflies flying, an encouraging word from the principal as she passed me in the hall, hugs upon hugs upon hugs from my students, hearing I love you Mrs. Doster... you are a great teacher (when I was a bit unsure), a boy being honest when I couldn't read his answer to a math problem, and my sweet husband's encouraging words all along the way in this new adventure.
If you are careful to watch closely you will SEE so many things to be thankful for throughout your days.  You only have to open your eyes, slow down and take notice.
I wrote this down in my quiet time journal recently.  I believe it is from Ann Voskamp:

          "The only real prayers are the ones mouthed with thankful lips.  Prayer, to be prayer, to have any
           power to change anything, must first speak thanks. "In everything, by prayer and supplication,
           with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Philippians 4:6  Prayer without ceasing is
           Praying without ceasing is only possible in a life of continual thanks.

Won't you begin to give thanks during your days?  It truly will change your life and your perspective.  We all have so much to be thankful for.

Joyfully,
Julie