MY GIFT TO YOU—GET YOUR FREE EBOOK—“THE 5-DAY JOURNEY TO CULTURAL AWARENESS”!

Wherever we live in the world, there are good things and bad things. There are happy things and sad things.

Right now, I live in Spain. My beloved America, on the other side of the Atlantic, sits tall . . . although, from my distant view, it appears to be in shambles, conflict, disappointment, mess.

Perhaps I need a fresh perspective, a new view. Perhaps, if I put on my gratitude glasses, I might begin to see beauty from ashes.

In all the places I have lived, I have tried to “Bloom Where I’m Planted.” I don’t know where that expression comes from, but I have tried to follow it—tried to find contentment in my circumstances wherever I am.

Today, a week after Thanksgiving, I decided to be continually thankful for what I have here and now . . . not there and tomorrow . . . but here and now.

“As long as thanks is possible, then joy is always possible. Whenever, meaning—now; wherever, meaning—here.”

Ann Voskamp—One Thousand Gifts

Today, I live in Spain. All I have is the here and now.

I love the writer author, Ann Voskamp. I have currently been challenged in her book, One Thousand Gifts, to make a written list of 1,000 things I’m thankful for—1,000 gifts from God.

It’s amazing how my eyes begin to open. I begin to see “gifts” all around me, things I would typically walk by and miss completely.

On this early Saturday morning, when I sat down to continue my list, I thought about Spain. I thought about my home here and now.

spanish culture gifts grateful thankful blessed wooden sign
Photo by Ann on Unsplash

What Am I Thankful For?

I share my list with you. Don’t worry, it won’t be a list of 1,000 things! After reading mine, I encourage you to do the same. Write a list of 20 things (or more!) that you are thankful for from your land—the place where you live here and now.

Free tapas that come with cheap drinks

Freedom to take siestas everyday

Beauty of a new language—Español

Mountains that surround us—view from our front windows

Yummy churros and chocolate

Sunshine almost everyday

Excellent soccer teams

Flamenco dancers and strumming guitars

Rich history in architecture

Laid-back, relaxed lifestyle

Gorgeous beaches on all sides

Clear skies and orange sunsets

Paella

Colorful outdoor markets

People that love and are proud of their country

Tinto de Verano, sweet summer wine

Kind and patient people who help me with my broken Spanish

Cafe con leche in the local coffeehouse

Safe houses who welcome exploited women and children in their country

—Other expats living in Spain, who are like family to us

Freedom of religion

Cobblestone streets

. . . . to be continued

It didn’t take long for me to add 20 or more to my list of “1000 Gifts.” I’m now at #187.

Get out your pen and paper . . . start writing your list of things you are thankful for in your land—the place where you live here and now. If you struggle to find #1 and #2, don’t worry . . . the rest will quickly follow once you get the ink flowing.


—THE CULTURAL STORY-WEAVER

MY GIFT TO YOU—GET YOUR FREE EBOOK—“THE 5-DAY JOURNEY TO CULTURAL AWARENESS”!

LET’S WEAVE CULTURES!

How does it feel to write out “20 Gifts” from your land? How does it change your perspective when you put on your gratitude glasses?

We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures!” Write about them in the comment box below.

More Stories You May Like:

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LIVING OVERSEAS—HOW TO KEEP OUR THANKSGIVING TRADITIONS ALIVE

PIERRE’S FIRST THANKSGIVING IN SPAIN

Pierre’s Second Thanksgiving in Spain

WEAVING CULTURES AROUND THE THANKSGIVING TABLE

WEAVING CULTURES AROUND THE THANKSGIVING TABLE PART 2

The Cultural Story-Weaver

Along with her French husband, four boys, and dog, Marci is a global nomad who has traveled to more than 30 countries and lived extensively in the United States, France, Morocco, and Spain. She loves to travel, speak foreign languages, experience different cultures, eat ethnic foods, meet people from faraway lands, and of course, tell stories.

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