TY4

 The year 2026 is half over. Time for a little self-evaluation. Amazingly, I have kept one of my New Year’s resolutions. Usually I am not that disciplined, but this year I have succeeded.

On January first I resolved to observe a daily habit of gratitude. Specifically, I would keep a record of THANK-YOU-FOR’s in my journal entry each night.

Often during the day when something nice happens, I think, That’s what I will thank God for in my journal tonight. Other times when I get in bed and grab my journal, I think, Now what was the best thing that happened today? The first sentence I write always begins, “TY4...”

TY4 a stimulating Bible discussion with Ken, Jesse, and Ben today (Jan. 2)

TY4 letting me find the car keys I lost weeks ago (Feb.2).

TY4 Ken, my solid ground—faithful and skilled, loves God and people (3/10).

TY4 showing me how to report Royalties as a hobby not a business (4/3).

TY4 3 granddaughters and a neighbor going with me to the Ladies Tea at church (5/2).

TY4 a lovely visit with Zane and Stacey (6/28).

This has been an insightful and valuable discipline, and I recommend it to everyone. What if you don’t keep a journal? Then you could use a 12-month calendar, at least 8½x11, with blank squares for each date. Write your TY4s in the squares. Perhaps this could be done on your phone instead.

Someone has said, “It is not happiness that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us happy.” The secret of happiness is gratitude. The secret of gratitude is to look for it each day. And wouldn’t you know—it’s biblical.

Ø  1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Ø  Ephesians 5:20 – “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”

Ø  Colossians 3:17 – “And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.”

Ø  Philippians 4:6 – “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Ø  1 Chronicles 16:34, Psalm 107:1, Psalm 118:1, Psalm 136:1 – “O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endures forever.”

Ø  1 Chronicles 16:8 – “Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the people.”

Ø  Psalm 100:4 – “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.”