Posted in Everyday Life, Holidays on October 2, 2019 by Shelley Pulliam
I remember traveling across the country in the back of my dad’s white Ford Cougar during our summer vacations. It would purr down the highway as hot air circled through the windows. When not fighting over staying on our designated side of the car, my sister and I entertained ourselves with travel games such as “I Spy” or “License Tag Bingo.” Both involved perusing the landscape around us to spot items needed to win the game.
Now that I’m an adult, simple games aren’t a part of my daily life anymore…unless God wants them to be. Each morning I awaken to spend a few quiet moments conversing with God before I roll out of bed. This morning I felt Him gently say, “Today you need to play the Thank You Game.” I questioned, “What is the Thank You Game?” Immediately I knew. My day needed to be a constant barrage of appreciation to God for my many blessings. It wasn’t a time to declare gratitude for the major gifts in my life but an awareness of each and every thing, moment, and person that crosses the threshold of my life that I oftentimes neglect to acknowledge.
My list began before my feet hit the floor. “Lord, thank you for my bed, my house, my car…the fact that I even woke up this morning to breathe another day of life.” It continued as I prepared for work. “Thank you for hot water, clothes to wear, a good hair day, the beautiful sunrise,” and on and on I observed.
Looking around on my daily travels caused gratitude to erode my other emotions. I’m thankful to have heat blowing through the car vents, bus drivers transporting children safely to school, co-workers who make me grin, green lights when I’m running late, text messages from family and friends, neighbors who pick up my overturned trash can, Thousand Island salad dressing, Diet Dr. Pepper, and comfortable furniture to rest on after a weary day.
The Thank You Game changed my entire perspective, attitude, and even physical and mental wellness. It’s amazing the difference when you live in a spirit of praise. Are you up for the challenge? Wanna play? I dare you to join me and share your results. Ready, set, go!
About Shelley Pulliam
Howdy! (A girl from Oklahoma has to use this as her greeting) I’m Shelley Pulliam, executive director of Arise Ministries and former teacher of hormone-filled 8th graders. But my real claim to fame rests in my award as second grade spelling bee champ and my recent gun-handling skills as I train to competition shoot. It helps me be on guard when Satan comes knocking. I’m a voracious reader and can frequently be found at the theater enjoying movie marathons where my record stands at six in one day. I’m a single, never married, who loves to pour into children at every opportunity. Let me know if you have any for sale. You can connect with me on social media. https://www.instagram.com/shelleypulliam/