Every year around this time, my heart turns toward gratitude a bit more frequently as the seasons change, harvest comes to an end, and the pantry is filled with the fruits of our hard work all summer season. I have always loved the quote “gratitude turns what we have into enough” because it reminds me that being thankful doesn’t just rest in the things that I want coming to be, but that it is always within my grasp. There is so incredibly much to be thankful for - in seasons of plenty and in seasons of waiting.
This year, I have found myself leading a homeschool group in our community, and let me tell you… it has stretched me so much in these past few months, pushing me outside of my comfort zone… But I am incredibly grateful!
God, in His grace, gave me an opportunity to step into leadership, using my creative gifts and love of seasonal learning, to teach kids and bring our community closer together. He is so so good. Many of the families attending have moved here in the last couple years since we have, and it has been beautiful to see glimpses of community blossoming after such a long season of waiting.
To celebrate gratitude this season, we decided to create gratitude journals and learn a simple book binding technique. All you need is a straight stick (approximately 7-8 inches), a rubber band, cover cardstock, hole punch, and a printed paper journal. Inside are prompts, games, and journaling pages to help lean into the things we are thankful for in this season.
To create your journal, start by gathering your supplies and printing your journal pages (link to grab them below). Fold the journal pages and cover in half and punch holes about two inches from the top and bottom on the binding edge. Thread the rubber band through the holes and stretch around the stick. Once the rubber band is threaded through the pages and attached to the stick on both ends, your journal is ready for your creativity. Decorate the cover as you wish and fill the pages with gratitude!
