I don’t know about you, but every once in a while, life can get so busy that pretty soon everything just feels like a drag.
Maybe you can relate?
Things that used to bring joy, when added to the mix of an overwhelmingly heavy workload, can suddenly become burdensome.
Is it just me? Or do you know what I’m talking about?
I’ve found that during times like these, it helps me to take a step back and take stock of everything I have to be grateful for. A bit of a gratitude inventory, if you will.
Undoubtedly, in a short period, my perspective shifts and my burdens don’t seem quite as heavy. The clouds lift a little, and the sun peeks through.
This happened to me as I went through Tyndale’s new Gratitude Journal.
Without being intentional, by working through this journal, my previously burdened condition saw a new light.
My perspective shifted.
Instead of focusing on all that I hadn’t accomplished and all that still needed to be done, I could take a deep breath for a few moments and reflect on God’s goodness to me.
Taking time to consider God’s character and blessings caused my gratitude toward Him to grow.
If you’re in a position or phase of life in which everything feels like a drag, or you’re struggling to see God’s blessings, I encourage you to take advantage of a resource like this journal.
Take some time out of your busy schedule to recalibrate and center your thoughts around truth.
[Tweet “”This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” ~Psalm 118:24″]
What helps you when you need a perspective shift? What helps you increase your gratitude toward the Lord?
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Check out more resources like this one in Tyndale’s Living Expressions Collection.
A description from the Tyndale website: “Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal invites you to bring creative journaling and the calming act of coloring into your quiet time with God. This beautifully designed interactive prayer book from Tyndale’s Living Expressions collection helps guide your thoughts as you pray about concerns such as health, overcoming stress, personal relationships, and more. Gratitudegives you a way to celebrate and give thanks to God for the many blessings he provides. Filled with over 100 designs to color, plenty of space for journaling and sketching, and 40 needs-based prayers, Gratitude helps you express your devotion to God with your whole heart!”
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this product from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review. Affiliate links have been used in this post.
How fun! It looks like a therapeutic exercise, too.
When I need a perspective shift, there are a myriad of actions that can help, from the more serious such as spending quiet time in prayer and God’s Word, to talking things out with my husband, mom, sister, or a close friend. But sometimes it can be more simple and practical, such as getting enough sleep, giving myself a break or a day off, or doing something I enjoy.
All these things can help me get back a proper perspective. I think the thing that all of these very different actions have in common is that I simply have to stop, slow down and get my bearings.
Some of these things also help me have more gratitude, as well as listening to good, truthful music and/or engaging in worship. But usually a little time alone in quiet helps me gain my perspective the most. Also, recording in a gratitude journal is life-changing. Thinking about or speaking about things for which I’m thankful is helpful, but making a habit of almost-daily recording three things (or more) for which I’m grateful is even more effective.