Today, try making a habit of saying thank you (out loud, if you can) for as many things as you can manage. People who fill their lives with gratefulness for the ordinary things of life get let in on serious joy. Making space and time in your day to say thank you to God will change you; it will make you slow down, and take time to notice the way the world really is. Why 'in every thing give thanks?' The best things in life are what God gives us the most of, the quiet things that make up the fullness of ordinary life. When was the last time you thanked God for providing oxygen so we can breathe? Or for those little moments of silence where we unexpectedly connect with Him? God gives us lives made up mostly of relationships, sleeping, eating and getting on with work. We take them for granted, and forget that they're supposed to be rewarding in themselves. It's worth being reminded that even the most basic things in your life are from God, and if they're from God, they must be good. Thankfulness does that. Wondering how to get a bit of life in your faith? Maybe, simply, try being thankful. Remember, ‘the joy of the Lord is your strength’ (Nehemiah 8:10). When you take joy in all of the little things He's given you, your life lights up and your faith gets stronger.

What now?
Take some time to count your blessings. Before you go to sleep, write a list of 30 things you’re thankful for. (Maybe even take a photo of your list and share it with us @UCBWordForYou.)