There are 5 things I do every night that change me.
You see, I am a big believer in prayer.
My morning prayers are fervent and focused. I really drill down what I want to do and who I want to be that day. I’m mindful of those suffering and how I can be better. Things I am not so good at, and gifts I can share.
But…. I’m a morning girl.
My evening prayers. Well, let’s just say that I don’t have the same focus.
Unless we’re talking about my bed, I’m VERY focused on my bed. But as I stared at my hands one night as I was trying to remember why I was there I realized that coming up with 5 things I was thankful for would surely be the message I wanted to send to God.
Because my life is So. Very. Good.
So, that’s what I do. Sure, I may mention some other shortcomings or people who weigh heavily on my mind- but my evening prayers are packed with gratitude.
Now, I could pray each and every evening in thanks for my dishwasher and my washing machine, but my own personal rule is that these items need to differ nightly. Sure, some come up frequently – -but mostly appliances are off limits unless it’s been a REALLY bad day (but, in reality those are the days I need these 5 things the very most). It’s true, some days are harder than others to come-up with my 5 things.
My ❤️ hotels for your 2024 trip:
– Best Western Park Place — it’s the CLOSEST hotel, has a breakfast and if it’s available for your dates, BOOK IT. If not, check out the Tropicana.
– Cambria – this is my favorite one with a great price point for larger groups – has a water park and free breakfast (not walkable though) – but if you want a walkable suite check out Castle Inn
Some things that show up frequently:
1. Teachers who gave a special effort, or handled a situation brilliantly
2. Children who minded
3. Safety in precarious situations
4. A moment when I was able to share what was important to me.
5. Feelings I’ve had during the day
The options are endless.
And the reality that there is plenty of evil in each day — but I am grateful to know that the good outweighs it. I am a lucky gal, and I just need to tell God I’m thankful for it.
Do you? Do you think it would change how you view your day. How you sleep, and how you function the next day? I say it will. These 5 things will change your life. Give it a try.
Lynness says
I’m definitely a morning person too- and focused on bed at night: I LOVE going to bed!! It drives my husband nuts that he has to sleep- he’s a night owl and likes to get stuff done around midnight and doesn’t sleep well with his mind running a mile a minute…but he’s got a day job and knows he has to. I, on the other hand, rarely lose sleep over anything and relish passing out on my pillow. I like how your prayers have different focuses (foci?) morning and night- I might try that…
Hilary says
Sometimes when I’m uber focused on something I can stay up late, but for most of my life I’ve just been an early to bed early to rise gal. 🙂
Annie says
Thank you for this post! I need to be more mindful of my prayers at night. I get to “Dear God”….zzzzzzz. I’m a night owl through and through but when my body decides it’s bedtime, I’m out like a light.
I’m going to work on this habit tonight. Thank you for the encouragement!
Hilary says
Annie, it was good advice for me. I hope it helps you too!