Almost every day, the first thing I pray in the morning is “Lord, thank you for the gift of today.”  I’m fully aware He is the Giver of this day, like all the others.  He didn’t have to gift me with it.  By His grace alone I am still here.  For a purpose.  On purpose.

He has something for me here today.  

As the sun comes up and the sky colors shift over the lake in our backyard, I see beauty and newness and grace.  Hope and promise, all in one moment. 

I have no idea what this day will bring.  Health, heartache, joy, excitement, celebration, sickness, sadness, stress?  Probably some combination of those. But I know that no matter what the day brings, it is good to be here.  It is good to start the day this way. Looking out, looking up, saying thank you.  

This is the day You have made, Lord.  I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Here are some of my favorite ways to add gratitude to a morning routine:

Get outside.  Even just for one quick breath of fresh air.  Notice how you feel breathing that first intentional breath of the day.

Get by yourself.  Wake up early, even just five minutes earlier than the rest of your household.  Savor the stillness and silence.

Get thankful.  Make a list or simply bring to mind 3-5 things you are grateful for.  They can be big or small, the same as yesterday, or ever-changing.  

Get in the habit.  Do the best you can to make this a daily ritual. Notice how you feel when you start your day being intentionally grateful.  Soon you will be craving those still, sweet moments in the morning, despite the fact that it may cost you a few extra moments of sleep.  

Great is Thy faithfulness!  

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

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What is your favorite way to add gratitude to your morning routine?  Feel free to share with us in the comments!

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