A Dare to Give Thanks

My mother-in-law gave me a book for Christmas — One Thousand Gifts, written by Ann Voskamp. I have only begun the book, but I am really enjoying it. I am reading it slow, with a highlighter.

In keeping with the spirit of this book I have dared myself to make a list of 1,000 gifts in my life. One thousand things I am thankful for. In passing, it is easy to take for granted the small gifts that make the whole of my life incredibly special. I am daring myself to slow time down, live a full life, give thanks for the gifts in my life, take in each and every moment and to live by this – “Wherever you are, be all there”.

1. Soft skin of baby’s cheeks 2. Sunlight through dark, storm clouds 3. Secrets whispered through daughter’s sweet, pink lips 4. Fuzzy baby hair 5. Tender kisses from my husband on my cheek. It is early morning, he thinks I am asleep and the kiss a secret. 6. New socks 7. Fresh snow sparkling under Montana’s big, blue sky 8. Cool, clean drinking water 9. Long talks with a close friend. Laughter. Tears. Bonding. 10. Campfires 11. Fresh fruit 12. Live, acoustic guitar music 13. Baby animals 14. My Lab’s soft ears rubbed on my cheek 15. Fresh hair cut 16. Wildlife photography 17. Wildflowers, freshly picked. Displayed proudly in clear glass vase. 18. Hot, bubble baths 19. Deep, dark red wine. 20. Warm sand hugging toes 21. Solitary bald eagle perched high on top snowy, pine tree 22. Long, slow swim in cool mountain lake 23. Muddy Jeep tires 24. Tender hugs of encouragement from my dad 25. Cowgirl boots 26. Phone calls from my niece Ellie 27. Falling asleep with my baby on my chest 28. My Granny’s handwriting and receiving handwritten cards from her 29. Purring kittens 30. Stories told by my Grandfather 31. Whale songs 32. Freshly gathered farm eggs 33. Old black and white photography 34. Winter songs of a chickadee 35. The smell of freshly cut hay fields 36. Reminiscing with mine sister about our childhood 37. The baby blue color of robin’s eggs 38. Handwritten notes from my mother 39. Happy endings 40. Salty chips and salsa 41. Shooting stars 42. My children’s belly laughs 43. Extra cheese on Italian food 44. New hats 45. Hiking in the fall

{I will continue to share my list as I compile it}