(On a nice day, Annabelle and Jace enjoy driving their Power Wheels' vehicles.)
In the busyness of everyday life, it can be easy to dwell on what we lack—missed opportunities, disappointments, or the one or two things that went wrong in an otherwise good day. But when we shift our focus from scarcity to abundance, something remarkable happens: our outlook changes, and so does the way we experience life.
For me, this shift often begins with a simple but intentional practice—keeping a gratitude journal. Several times a week, I write down lists of things I am thankful for. Sometimes these lists capture big moments, but more often they are about the small, ordinary blessings that shape my days: the sound of my children’s laughter, a shared meal with my wife, or a quiet evening together as a family.
This practice is not complicated, but it is powerful. Gratitude helps retrain the mind. Instead of endlessly scanning for what is broken, gratitude reminds us of what is whole. Instead of focusing on what we do not have, gratitude grounds us in the good that is already present. Over time, this rhythm creates a positive mindset and an overall appreciation for life as a gift.
Although journaling is a personal practice I engage in privately, I see it as something I will one day teach my children, Annabelle (age 5) and Jace (age 3). They may not yet be old enough to understand the habit or write lists themselves, but I believe they can still learn from my example. When I model a thankful heart and share moments of gratitude openly, they begin to see how important it is to notice blessings instead of burdens. In this way, gratitude becomes a gift I hope to pass on to them as they grow.
The truth is simple: life is good if you view it as good. Gratitude sharpens our vision. It opens our hearts to joy. It teaches us to find contentment in the present moment rather than constantly chasing after the next thing. And the best part? Anyone can start today. All it takes is setting aside a few minutes, grabbing a notebook, and beginning your own gratitude list.
In what follows, I want to share some of the lists I have written during my personal reflections. These lists may be personal to me, but I hope they inspire you to reflect on your own life and write down the things you are thankful for.
Gratitude for My Wife, Lisa
- Lisa’s nurturing care for our children as their mother.
- Lisa’s never-ending support as my spouse.
- Lisa’s kindness to strangers.
- Lisa’s love for animals, which brought Tip, our beloved guinea pig, into our family.
- Lisa’s amazing cooking skills.
- The way Lisa scratches my back for a really long time.
- When I feel down, Lisa always cheers me up with the right words.
- Lisa’s light-hearted demeanor and her appreciation for the simple things in life.
- Lisa’s responsible and thoughtful financial choices.
- Lisa’s relationship with the Lord.
Gratitude for My Daughter, Annabelle
- Annabelle’s love for Bible study and prayer.
- Annabelle’s hugs.
- Annabelle’s playful sense of humor—like her pretend farts on Daddy.
- The way Annabelle consoles her upset brother with a hug and a gentle, “Shhh, shhh, it’s going to be okay.”
- Watching Annabelle learn to swim.
- Celebrating Annabelle’s fifth birthday—and five years of wonderful memories.
- Annabelle’s affection for her mother, Lisa.
- Annabelle’s affection for my mom, CeeCee (her grandmother). She often asks, “When will CeeCee come to see us again?”
- Annabelle’s giggles as I chase her around the house or outside. She has a distinct, memorable laugh.
- Annabelle’s eagerness to help Lisa or me with chores, cooking, or putting things together.
- Annabelle’s creativity and love for crafts.
Gratitude for My Son, Jace
- When Jace says, “Pleeeaaasseee.” Even when he is upset, he sometimes says it in a terse, grunting way—angry yet still asking for help.
- Jace’s hugs and cuddles while watching TV.
- When Jace is upset, he asks for “Daddy” to console him. It feels good to be needed by this tiny human.
- Jace wanting to go with me to the coffee shop just to be with me, even though it’s usually a place where I work alone (jobs to pay bills).
- Jace’s affection for my father, JayJay (his grandfather). Just like Annabelle asks about CeeCee, Jace often asks, “Where is JayJay? When will I see him again?”
- Jace’s surprising love for cold black coffee—I find it funny and ironic that any child would enjoy it. Sharing a few small sips together makes me smile.
- Jace’s love for sports and being outdoors, which keeps us both active.
- When Jace says, “I need a huggie,” before going to bed.
- When Jace says, “Hold you,” meaning “Pick me up and hold me.”
- Jace using sign language to communicate with me. He continues to learn basic signs at school, which he started practicing as a baby.
- Celebrating Jace’s third birthday with his friend at Chuck E. Cheese.
- Jace’s funny way of saying “Nooooopppe” instead of just “No.” Even though “nope” can be a frustrating favorite word of the day, it still sounds cute coming from him.
Gratitude lists remind me that life’s greatest blessings are often found in the everyday moments we share with those we love most. As I look back over these reflections, I am reminded once again of how much I have to be thankful for in my wife, Lisa, and in our children, Annabelle and Jace. To close, I am also sharing a few pictures from our most recent time together as a family—snapshots that capture the joy behind these words and the memories we continue to treasure. I hope these reflections encourage you to pause and consider your own list of gratitude. What small joys, simple blessings, or cherished relationships might you write down today?
(It’s really fun when I can watch the kids drive their vehicles outside. See the previous video at the beginning of this blog entry.)
(Annabelle and Jace were fascinated by this car display in the grocery store. They insisted on getting a picture. Jace looks cute, kissing his sister on the cheek.)
Annabelle and Jace ride the rhinoceroses’ statues at Zoo Knoxville. The zoo recently attained two new residents - Mylo and Ranger - two southern white rhinos.)
#GratitudeLists #CountYourBlessings
#FamilyGratitude #EverydayJoy
#ChoosePositivity #LifeIsAGift #FaithAndGratitude #ThankfulLiving #MindfulMoments
#GratitudePractice #Family #DaddyDestinations #JamesCartee
