Because It’s the Noticing That Counts

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I haven’t counted in ages. No numbering. No writing down. God’s gracious gifts have assuredly not ceased. Nor have I stopped noticing. I see them numerous times each day. Some are as common and anticipated as my morning breakfast shake. Some, though repeated again and again, never get old, like my daughter’s hugs and the setting sun. Some make me laugh. Some make me sigh contentedly. Some take me by surprise. Some are sheer delight.

So why not count them? 

When I began my gratitude list nearly three years ago, the counting was crucial. It was the counting that caused me to notice, to really see what my eyes had always overlooked. One grew to ten, ten to twenty, twenty to two hundred. With each gift added to the list, my gratitude increased. I cherish the list as I cherish the gifts, for the numbered list was a simple, yet life-changing, tool used by God to give me new eyes to see and a new heart to praise Him.

I began as a counter of gifts and became a woman of gratitude. The list itself is no longer necessary, for in noticing, I lost count.

Better to lose count while naming your blessings than to lose your blessings to counting your troubles. – Maltbie D. Babcock

Though the counting has ceased, the noticing never will. So while you’ll no longer see formal numbers, it is my delight to continue to share with you just a few gifts for which I’ve given thanks to Him.

  • wildflowers on the side of the road
  • our church bells chiming the hours
  • the whimpers of a dreaming pup
  • my girl and I beginning the fourth book in the life of Ann Shirley
  • sweet corn from our own garden – we got enough for one meal 😉
  • more tomatoes ripening than we’ll know what to do with
  • already making plans for next year to grow more corn and fewer tomatoes
  • hard laughing – the kind that makes your sides hurt

I know for many, my gratitude list has been an anticipated, weekly glimpse into my life. I hope it has also inspired your own noticing, your own thanksgiving.

All praise, honor, thanksgiving, and glory be to God.

In hope,
Shelli

This post is linked with the Gratitude Community at Holy Experience
as I share my list of One Thousand Gifts.

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About Shelli Bourque

An ordinary girl living by the grace of life in Christ. Adoring wife and mom. Lover of quiet places and uncluttered spaces. Beauty seeker and image maker.

Comments

  1. Stephani says
    at

    I love this post. I was counting to 2000 and I haven’t done a gratitude post in awhile. I was just thinking last night I need to get back to the list even though like you I am always noticing. I want to write them down and remember. Hopefully, I’ll get back to this next week! Thanks for sharing!

  2. Teena says
    at

    Thank you for sharing. I have counted for over 5 yrs …. I do not list them on my blog but in my journal but recently … I have sought out beautiful places… and caught them on my camera. Like you, I am always noticing. All around me.

    God knows… as I just started on a blog post about this…. and come here and you have shared about it! Just love it!

    hugs