Miracle Journal – Recognizing Everyday Miracles

A few years ago I was going through a really tough time. My life seemed bleak, my spirit was low, and I felt I had nothing left to give. And yet with weak feet and trembling knees, I felt completely left alone to stand and move on every day.

Then I heard a talk by Henry Eyring, a church leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and in it he mentioned how he writes in a miracle journal every day.

Keeping a Miracle Journal can change your whole outlook on life

Each day he would write at least one thing that happened that day that he felt was awitness that God was watching out for him.

I decided to give it a try, but on one condition: my entries had to be really really short. Usually discouraged by the thought of writing a log of my day-to- day, hour by hour happenings, my journal writing days have been quite few.

That's the beauty of it -- It can be really quick!

Here are some simple, 10 second posts from my journal:

Jan 16: Came home just minutes before a big storm arrived -- time enough to cover the vehicles that had holes in the roof

May 4: Splashed in puddles walking in early morning rain with Kezia

July 4: Our car said we were out of gas, and we made it to a gas station!

July 8: My body lasted through an exhausting day

Sometimes it's the small things that make an impact on your day and on your soul. Sometimes it's something a lot bigger in scope, and at those times I usually write a longer entry. But I find if I keep it short and simple, I at least get it done.

I have now continued writing in this journal for 3 years, and I can tell you it has made such a positive difference in my life. It is one of the major ways I got out of the funk I was feeling at that time, and continues to boost me and support me.

At first it was hard to see the little good things that would happen every day, but I realized that because I was trying to be more aware of them, they became easier and easier to recognize. It got to the point where many times something would happen that would make it so obvious that Someone was aware of me.

Like the time we were totally out of food, and a friend hands me a big bag of papaya because she felt like we could use it.

Or when we found a great place to live that was well under-priced but well within our budget.

Or when everything in the world was preventing us from leaving to go camping one day, then the next day we found we had a lot of business to take care of, and were grateful we were not out in the woods.

Or just yesterday when I felt prompted to stay for my kids' swimming lessons, although I had different plans. A friend was there too and we talked for a while. He informed me of the tough times he and his family were going through, and I then knew why I had stayed.

I call these miracles -- things that happen that are not easily explained, and that prove to me that although at times I feel I am walking alone, there is Someone aware of me. Whether you share my belief or not, try writing a miracle journal.

It can turn your ho-hum days into a series fabulous moments.

PS- While writing this, I found some really cute (and cheap) journals on Amazon to get you started -- click here to check them out.