There are all kinds of contests on the internet. Usually you have to sign up for the blog’s RSS feed, write about the contest on your blog and give up your first born to earn entries. In return, you might win a gift card, a book or some e-credits. Too much commitment for me. I like my first-born and I don’t know how the RSS feed works on my blog to begin with. (Please sign up anyway. My ignorance shouldn’t affect you enjoying A Second Cup. Prompt is on the bottom of the left column)
Last July, I was making my e-card rounds I came across a contest on a blog called Things I’m Grateful For. All I had to do to receive an entry in the contest was stop in and leave a comment about something I am grateful for. Things I’m Grateful For has Comment Luv so I would receive an automatic backlink to A Second Cup. A win/win for me.
While I didn’t win anything for the contest (what is up with that Solomon?), I have received so much more. I stop in daily on Solomon’s blog even when I am flying though blogging and e-carding because it gives me a chance to pause and think of what I am blessed with for that day. What caught my eye is the things Solomon was grateful for, a hot shower, coffee, work, a good nights rest.
It is had a good spiritual discipline for me to stop most days and think of something God has blessed me with, something I have taken for granted: plumbing that is working, coffee, that my daughter can complain about school starting, not all young girls get to take the opportunity for education for granted. Slowing down enough in my busy day, not just to think about what God has gifted me with, but to take the time to put that though into words and from words to a prayer of thanks to the One who deserves it.
Every generous act of giving and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father who made the heavenly lights, in whom there is no inconsistency or shifting shadow. James 1:17
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Eph 5:20
Solomon always responds to comments left on his blog. Another discipline I will have to learn.
Take a minute in your busy day to rest, reflect and record at Things I’m Grateful For .