At the beginning of 2017 I made a “blessing jar” for my family hoping this would become a new tradition. I took a big pickle jar, some ribbon and few stickers and placed it on the kitchen counter with a Sharpie and Post-it notes. I encouraged everyone to write down something that blessed them on any given day and we would read them at our New Year’s lunch in 2018. It was time for lunch…a Fajita Feast! As we were eating, we passed the jar around and took a few notes out to read aloud to the family. It was a success. We laughed about the memories we shared, gave thanks for the people who were on those slips of paper, and often nodded in agreement over a wonderful blessing.
Hearing what blessed my family was sometimes a little overwhelming. From the simple joys in life, to the gratitude for relationships and opportunities, I heard the desires of each member of my family’s heart. I learned that when we hear how a simple act towards another, or even just our presence impacts another person, it touches our heart deeply.
My heart is overflowing today. There was no money spent, no adventure taken, just a wonderful, home cooked meal followed by a walk to the park. The laughter was enough. It is something that I will often forget to enjoy. As for the blessing jar, it’s on the counter, ready for 2018.
I have a feeling we will have plenty more notes to read next year.
Today I Am Thankful For:
- fajitas
- boxes
- mini-quilts
- Facebook messenger
- Netflix
