By: Detri L McGhee, CLU, ChFC, B.Min
“God never intends us to keep what we have learned all to ourselves. Whether it is money, insight or truth. He wants us to share it with others.” From The Life Principles Bible by Charles Stanley.
I’m going to spare you the details of the lengthy and painful process that I have been going through leading up to today’s topic. Not because I don’t want to share it, but because time/space is so limited. Also, sharing the truth and blessing, rather than my story, lets you see how it may apply to you personally.
There has been a lot of talk lately about how the brain reacts to the process of writing things down with your own hand. Perhaps that explains why those who keep a regular diary often come to treasure that time, and the awakening that comes to them through that process. I find little mini journals here and there as I clean closets, weed through bookshelves, and attempt to consolidate stashes of papers set aside long ago. Invariably, I uncover funny or heartwarming stories that I would never have remembered apart from the notes. Cute, funny, amazing things the spouse, children, or grandchildren did; cards or reminders of gifts from a special friend; memories that often remind me of what a wonderful time a particular moment was. Other entries center around answered prayer or petitions for those people and causes I love. When I find these it is such a wonderful treasure to remember those precious times with my special people or seeing how God has been so real and loving toward me.
I have another family member who keeps a daily diary – of sorts – but it lists what they had for meals, what they did that day (as in – went to doctor, what time they got up, what body part hurts the most today, etc.), and what they did for others, if anything. And, of course, when they had a problem with a business or phone call. A day seldom passes without at least a small entry. Even rarer are entries that highlight what others did for them or what others accomplished that brought them joy.
My challenge to us today – yes, first to myself! – is to start handwritten notes on the blessings of life brought about by our very existence. Record the achievements of yourself and others, the kindness shown to you, things that bring you joy, situations that made you smile/laugh, stories of events that were special to you, even in small ways. And, occasionally, difficult times, especially after you begin to see how they made you grow, learn, or become more of the person you wish you were and strive to be.
One day while waiting for the running water to become hot, I was somewhat overcome with gratitude for the clean, abundant safe water that we take so for granted! My mind flashed to those images of mothers holding fly-covered, lethargic babies as they watched them weaken and move toward death with every passing hour. Later when I spilled coffee, I was so thankful for water to clean up, a mop to make it easier, a floor not made of dirt, coffee made with clean water, a mug – decorated, no less – soap to keep it clean… and on and on. Once you start seeing and stating blessings, there is no end!
What I have observed is that we tend to see what we look for. A journal of only cold facts, limited almost exclusively to yourself, holds no real joy or growth in Emotional Intelligence. It can come in handy for checking how long you have had that cough, or where you were on a certain day and time – just in case you’re ever suspect in a crime — but when you use that time to count your blessings, think of others, remember good/fun/funny times you will be participating in the untold blessings of Vicarious Joy! The blessings and joys of others become your blessings and joy also as you “live” these times with, through and for others.
Start small if this seems too large a commitment of time and energy. Or, if you are a habitual complainer, grouch, and basically negative person, perhaps just a note on your daily calendar. “Saw a butterfly today.” Exercising the attitude is a lot like exercising the body: Painful at first. Not particularly fun. Hard to faithfully develop into a habit. But properly and consistently applied, and making yourself “push through the burn,” results in a joy that cannot be explained but must be experienced to fully understand.
Remember, you generally cannot see what you are unwilling to look for. Especially the finest things of life.
Detri would love to hear from you. Email: detrimcghee@gmail.com Facebook: Detri Atkinson McGhee
Free outline for Criticism Management available at www.criticismmanagement.com
By: Detri L. McGhee – CLU, ChFC, B.Min
