Do you keep a journal? Many Christians find it to be a joyous experience, others just can't seem to keep one because it's to inconvenient or time consuming. I have found it to be one of the most rewarding disciplines I have ever done. I have kept journals for 10 years now and have no plans to stop anytime soon.
There is an old song that says "count your many blessings one by one and see what God has done" Though I never really liked the music or the way it was sung, I could appreciate the songs meaning. When you keep a journal you are able to really count your many blessings in your own life.
At times I will dust off my journals and go back over the history of a certain day just to see a timeline of what has happened in my life. As always, there are many ups and downs that my family and I have gone through. I would like to open my heart today by showing you a ten year time line of my boring but beautiful life. Here goes nothing:
December 21st in history
1998 - Church blessed my family with a Christmas bonus of $420.00 today. Bought Cindy (my wife) two Christmas gifts with the money received.
1999 - long day at the office, didn't get much done because of a car accident earlier this week.
2000 - Worked from 9-9 today. The men of church had a prayer meeting this evening.
2001 - We are working on the new church building today. Finally got one of the heating units in for some temporary heat before it got too cold.
2002 - Slept in till 8am today. Picked up my son (Craig) in Hope Indiana. Stopped by the Office supply store for the church. My uncle Starlin is in the hospital with kidney stones. Will visit and pray for him.
2003 - Big awards day celebration at the church today. My two sons (Eric & Craig) worked very hard to make this special for everyone. Over forty people involved in our Christmas drama this year. One little girl gave her heart to Christ after the play.
2004 - Snow coming in today. Cindy and Eric are headed to the grocery store for some food supplies. I am working at the Church on some end of the year administration things for the church. Came home tonight and spent the evening with my family.
2005 - Working in the office on some end of the year things today...
2006 - Another great day today. Had our board meeting this evening. Some great changes ahead.
2007 - Sitting in my recliner drinking some coffee reflecting on my life over the past ten years.
Although these dates and scribblings mean little or nothing to you, it has great worth to me. It tells me that God has kept his hands on my family over the past ten years of my life. I can truly count my blessings one by one. Journaling has great value for many reasons but I will name a few for you today;
- Journaling causes us to appreciate and take stock of our life.
- Journaling helps us leave a legacy for our families and friends.
- Journaling can keep us from making the same mistakes over again.
- Journaling gives us an overview of our personal and spiritual growth.
- Journaling is a great way to vent frustrations without hurting others. I love telling on people to God in my journal.
Do youkeep a journal? If not I challenge you to give it a try for a week or two. I do it every day but maybe you will journal every week or month. What ever your approach is, go out and buy a journal and a pen and have fun with your life. May God bless you and your family.
Pastor Randy Burton
