A Practical Walk

I titled my blog A Pracitcal Walk, yet feel I haven’t shared much in the practical arena. So today I’d like to talk about something tangible that has positively impacted my life. Amidst the many regrets I have, this stands out as one of the things I definitely do NOT regret.

When I started:

I started at some point before we moved to Africa, so roughly 10-12 years ago. I remember my very first journal. It was a tiny purple and gold notebook someone had given me. I loved how it was small, so I could even put it in my purse.

How I Do It

As a teenager I liked the idea of journaling but didn’t really keep up with it. Then when I’d finally sit down to write, I’d feel like I had to catch up from the last time I’d written and that just felt daunting and discouraged me from writing.

So when I started a thankful journal I did it in a way that it’d be quick and easy. I don’t usually write in complete sentences. I just jot down things I’m thankful for. There are times I feel like writing out a whole prayer or recording a story that happened, but most days it’s just a couple of lines of things I’m thankful for. Because it’s quick and simple, I actually keep up with it.

How’ it’s helped me

1. It forces me to think of things I’m grateful for on a regular basis. The Bible says to give thanks many times and in many ways, so this is a practical way to show obedience. It helps me to see blessings that I often overlook.
2. It encourages me when I look back on it. Many times I’ve looked at old entries and been like, “I had totally forgotten about that!” I tend to overestimate what I think I’ll remember. So often I feel like there’s no good way out of whatever situation I’m in, then I think of times in the past when I felt the same way and God provided. These entries help me to recall all the ways He’s taken care of us.
3. It’s nice to have something as a reference. If I need to remember when something happened, I can look back and see. I have horrible time remembering dates, so this is a great tool for me.

Do you journal? What works for you?

Sometimes my thankful journals have been beautiful ones gifted to me, other times it’s just a cheap little notebook, either way, it’s filled with thoughts and memories.

My current journal I thrifted from one of my favorite places…Goodwill!