My days take on an Eeyore pallor when I count my shortcomings. Nothing seems good. Life feels like drudgery. Take a break from negativity today by practicing gratitude. The Psalmist wrote, “God’s my island hideaway, keeps danger far from the shore, throws garlands of hosannas around my neck” (Psalm 32:7, MSG). Recount how God has blessed you in your parenting journey by listing 15 things you are thankful for. As God has thrown garlands of hosannas around your neck, throw them back in the form of a prayer, thanking Him for the 15 praises you’ve listed.

Mary E. DeMuth

This is part of Mary E. DeMuth’s guided journal, “Creating the Family You Always Wanted,” a 12-week journey in Christian parenting. Twice a week, you’ll receive a new journaling prompt encouraging you to think about your family–and God–in new ways. Use these prompts in your own journal or in group discussion. If you’re joining this journal mid-way through, you can start journaling at any time, and stay subscribed at the end, when the journal will restart and you can receive the prompts that you missed.

More from Beliefnet and our partners