I love to write and blog. I never write and blog.
I was challenged a few days ago to write and post a blog article every day for a month. The idea is that it will help me get past whatever keeps from doing something I love to do — but never do. I’ve thought a lot about why I don’t ever post anymore. I discovered that the biggest reason is that I can’t do it perfectly. Furthermore, I can’t seem to get my thoughts out efficiently because I always think about it beyond what’s necessary after I have clicked “publish”. “How could I have said it better? Will someone misunderstand what I said? Does anyone even care that I posted something? What if nobody clicks ‘like’?” And on and on and on.
The challenge is supposed to help me get something out of my mind and heart, express it in written word, hit post, and release it into the world. It is supposed to help me not really care if anyone reads it or likes it. It’s for me. Doing something I love is the reward. Honestly, doing something just because I love to do it not something I do well, but let’s just see how it goes.
The number one rule I’m following for my sanity is that I will give my best effort to post about something every day in November that I am grateful for. If I miss a day, I’m not going to stress out about it and then just quit. I’ll try again the next day.
If you want to come along on the journey, you’re welcome to read over my shoulder. But even if no-one else ever reads these posts, the reward I’m looking for is simply doing something that brings me joy. Hopefully, that’s not as selfish as it sounds.
Gratitude
I’m not always great at being grateful in everything. I don’t mean FOR everything — I mean IN everything.
My heart tends to see/look for negative. I don’t mean to do it. It just happens. I have to constantly remind myself that there is something to give thanks for in all circumstances. I think that I am probably not alone in this.
When I am reminding myself to give thanks in all circumstances, I often remember the episode in the life of Corrie ten Boom. She and her sister were sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp during World War II because they were hiding Jewish people. Her sister, Betsy, was encouraging her to be thankful in all circumstances. She said that she didn’t think that God expected her to be thankful for the lice that plagued them every waking moment. One evening, another inmate told them that day they would learn to like the fleas because they kept the guards out of their sleeping quarters. It was this fact that allowed them to read God’s Word, pray, and sing hymns. Corrie realized that it was, indeed, possible to be thankful in everything because we don’t see the entire picture of what’s going on around us. She understood more fully that God has plans and purposes in everything that we may or may never know about.
What am I grateful for, today? I am grateful that God sees it all. He knows it all. He has purpose in it all. I am grateful that I don’t need to rate things in my life good or bad because in God’s story it all has a place. It all has a purpose.
This is wonderful. Thank you!
Oh thank you, Donna! The encouragement does mean a lot. May God grant each of us a spirit of gratitude and contentment.
Beautiful post, Chris! Thank you for being transparent and sharing your heart. Who cares if it’s perfect or even if anyone reads/likes it. You’re not here to please people…only God. And He indeed cares, and likes it. And, loves you more!! Also, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to do things that give you joy. I think those things would fall under the category of an abundant life that God wants to give us. So…enjoy!
God bless all the Malone’s,
Brenda
So good to hear from you, dear friend! Thank you for your sweet and encouraging words.
I think ALL these thoughts too 🙂
Keep it going man !!
Thanks, brother! Love you and am grateful you are in my life.
Man !!!
Grateful that God has me in all things
Amen. He is SUCH a Good Father!
No need to reply but shouting out a BIG “AMEN brother” from here! June
I know you understand how it is sometimes hard to be grateful living where we do! But isn’t it great that HE is EVERYWHERE!?
Chris I’m so glad you are doing this. I didn’t realize until day 4 that you were blogging. I just thought you were posting a picture. Now I can’t wait for day 5. You know we love you and Mary so much! Thank you for stepping out and sharing!
We love you and Rick, too!