88 Gratitudes

When this gratitude project began, I had no idea how it would impact my life. I wondered: What would unfold if I simply asked people to share something for which they are thankful? It has been more rewarding and more challenging than I imagined. The project began as a simple idea to just collect some thoughts of gratitude from people. It grew beyond expectation as I was humbled to witness the trust displayed when people were asked to share. Each interaction was transformed by the gift of God's presence in the midst. I decided: I will call them "gratitudes." Gratitude soon became the main focus of my preaching. The sermons written during those weeks became genuine responses to these gifts. In the pages that follow, you will discover my attempt to interweave these gratitudes with scripture that takes us beyond the sermons. May God's grace shine throughout the pages of this book.