Pause: A Month of Gratitude in Five Minutes a DaySample

Proclaim

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:8-9)

Prompt

I made a bold decision early on in my sobriety, one I’m not sure I thought through completely. I certainly didn’t have the vision to see what my life would eventually become by making this decision. Yes, it felt like the right thing to do, but more than that, it felt like what I had to do. Almost as if I didn’t have a choice.

What was the decision? I chose to live my life as openly and vulnerably as possible, giving everyone I could a front-row seat to the emotions and experiences of a rough, raw, recovering drug addict.

What I found, though, was that the more I opened up about the pain of my past, the more others felt like they were given permission to do the exact same thing.

By sharing openly, I became grateful for the impact I could have on others. Imagine how others might feel grateful for your openness.

Prod

Are you living an open and shared life? If not, what’s holding you back? What can you do to open up more?

Praise

Listen to “Grateful” by Elevation Worship

Pray

Jesus, thank you for this life of gratitude I get to lead. Give me a way to be open about it with someone today. Help me to recognize the opportunity when it comes and to step into that opportunity with boldness and courage. You’re worth it! Amen.