The Gratitude Muscle! A 5 Day ChallengeSample

Crisis rocked Jim's world in 2020.

As the leader of a camp in the pine trees, he saw over 80% of his organization's yearly revenue disappear in a few days. During a health crisis, no one wanted to come together in close quarters like cabins, cafeterias, and auditoriums.

Jim led his team to pivot, offering resources online, creating outdoor-only activities, and cutting expenses in every way possible. He was resourceful, creative, and resilient! Though most of the staff would eventually be furloughed, with many finding new jobs, Jim stayed the course and led the camp to reopen the following year to many very happy campers.

In the spring of 2020, Jim sent me a note to follow up on a message I shared at our church. I've included the note with his permission.

"On November 10, 2019, you preached a message that encouraged us to keep a log of three things for which we were grateful. On Monday, November 11, I took that challenge and started a log on my phone.

It has been over six months, and every evening before I go to sleep, I reflect on the day and list the three items that I am grateful for. I haven't missed a day. So, I have done 187 days straight and listed 561 items."

Jim took the Gratitude Muscle Challenge seriously! He sustained this habit for over six months, which changed his life. In November 2019, Jim had no idea what kind of adversity was coming in the spring of 2020. But he built his gratitude muscle, which was strong when he needed it the most.

In many ways, what Jim did reminded me of what Paul did before his imprisonment in Rome. Paul became an expert at his own story, even listing out all of the ways and places he suffered in 2 Corinthians 11. But, his listing of these sufferings testified to God's provision and protection. His suffering also led to a profound experience of God's grace and sufficiency in 2 Corinthians 12. Paul's past sufferings helped him develop the spiritual muscles of Thanksgiving and rejoicing - muscles he would need when his most significant challenges remained ahead of him.

Like Jim, you and I have yet to learn what the future holds. But, if the past is any predictor of the future, you and I will face adversity in the coming days. Because we know challenging days are coming, we need to prepare.

Writing down three items on your gratitude list today is one part of that preparation. Like Jim, I encourage you to keep your list in one place. Then, you can look back on tough days and see all the blessings in your life. On the days when you're stuck, you can review past entries to find some inspiration.

I hope Jim's story inspires you to practice gratitude today!

I'll see you on the next day of this plan, where I'll share some fascinating science that validates the power of gratitude in our lives.