Celebrating His Goodness

At my core, I’m an eternal optimist and joy-seeker. No matter what is going on around me, I aim to see and celebrate the good: the good in life (general), the good in my life, the good in others, and most importantly, the goodness of God (where everything else is found).

There is a direct tie between my faith in God, who He has been (and what He has done) in my life over the past 35 years, and my pursuit of celebrating His goodness wherever I go. He defines goodness, is good, and is the giver of all good gifts.

And this brings my heart towards a place of gratitude. As I seek, engage in, and appreciate those experiences (big and small) which are hand crafted to lift my soul/spirit up to new heights, I become more intimately connected with others and the Father who loves me.

I haven’t always been perfect in these areas (celebrating the good/His goodness, practicing gratitude), but going through what I have in my life has continually taught me the importance of always looking up and forward. Looking to God for everything and living my life in a way that acknowledges and proclaims how great He is to those around me.

With that said, it’s a brand new year. Below are three brief (but definitely not exhaustive) lists that are rather poignant. The first chronicles some things (and people) I am thankful for. The second is a fun/whimsical list of some things that spark joy within me. The third is saturated with Scripture verses, ones that I hope will encourage and inspire you.

MY GRATITUDE LIST

• God: His faithful love, abundant mercy, and constant presence in my life
• The Word of God and the encouragement, inspiration, and correction found there
• Family who extend their love and support
• Dear friends (old & new), quality time with them
• Connecting with people of other cultures & backgrounds
• Intimate conversations and times of prayer
• Authenticity, kindheartedness, compassion
• Periods and places of rest
• Good food, sleep, and exercise (the fundamentals)
• My journey towards health, healing, and wholeness; ways in which I have grown spiritually, emotionally, physically, relationally, etc.

MY JOY LIST

• Sunshine, sunsets, and nature
• Traveling in general and to new places
• Sincere moments of laughter and play
• Taking non-peak/late night drives (with or without a destination in mind)
• Being cared for in my specific love language and doing my best to care for others in theirs
• Impromptu freestyle dancing and working up a sweat
• Photography and capturing beauty wherever I go
• Ordinary works of art that often go unnoticed
• Being creative; creating something beautiful in any form (through writing, photography, decorating, etc.)

SCRIPTURE

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”

1 Chronicles 16:34

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Psalm 23:6

“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.”

Psalm 145:9

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

James 1:17

Friends, what lists may you wish to write out for the new year?