In everything, give thanks. How do those four words strike you? Naive? Infuriating? Impossible? Offensive?
For Ann Voskamp, the notion of being able to give thanks was lost between her gnawing anger and deep resentment toward God for his unfair dealings in her life and the lives of others. Having suffered from agoraphobia and anxiety for much of her life, she despaired of finding a joy of her own. Then a friend dared her to write a list of a thousand blessings. Over the months that followed, she made some profound discoveries:
How it's possible to give thanks even for the things that might crush you
How thanksgiving always precedes the miracle
How to slow down and live fully in the moment
How things that feel like trouble might actually be gifts of grace
How to break the bondage of fear by embracing everyday blessings
How trust is the bridge over tumultuous waters that leads to joy