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Craig Finnestad

Spiritual Formation

Things I’m Grateful For

written by Craig Finnestad April 20, 2017

This weekend I’m talking about gratitude. I’m also talking about being critical of others and practicing envy. I don’t know anybody consumed with envy who experiences much joy. I don’t know overly critical people who are feeling much joy either. Grateful people—joy is theirs for the taking.

Make a gratitude list this week. A clean sheet of paper or a blank Word document. Things you are grateful for. Creating this list will combat joy’s predators: being critical and envious. Without naming the usual suspects of family, friends, church, and God, here is my attempt:

  • Sunny days. It was cloudy for so long. I love the blue skies and warm sun.
  • Alone time. I love people and I’m also an introvert. Quiet time makes me healthier so I can love people better.
  • Making sausage and smoking meat. Less time consuming ways exist to prepare food—but I love the time working as much as the finished product.
  • Running on a trail through the woods. It’s my best way to rest.
  • Days when I don’t have to set an alarm.
  • Randomly running into people I know. So much fun.
  • The women and men who teach and coach my two sons. They give so much time and energy to make my kids better.
  • Sending people thank you notes via snail mail. People I know are so generous with their time and resources.
  • My dog Esther. She is one of a kind.
  • The cold side of the pillow.
  • They are the best way to learn.
  • It is the best way to move on.
  • It makes bad days and good days better.
  • Small gestures of kindness from others.
  • The smell of driving by a Chinese restaurant.
  • Working in my garden.
  • Taking photos.
  • It’s how I best express myself.

Have fun with your list. I’d love to see it!

Making sausage soothes the soul.

Things I’m Grateful For was last modified: April 20th, 2017 by Craig Finnestad
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