For email posts, click here to watch online.

Many people like to write in diaries or journals.  Some do it to keep track of what they do everyday.  They may also record the daily temperature and weather conditions.

Some people take a journal with them when they travel and jot down where they went and what they saw.

Others record their thoughts and feelings in a journal and the journal may begin to feel like a friend.

Keeping a journal or a diary is a wonderful way to express yourself and can help you become more creative – you may feel like writing stories and poems in your journal.

One of the best ways to use a journal is to keep track of the things for which you are thankful. In the Bible Jesus says, “Give to Caesar (the emperor) the things that are Caesar’s, and give to God the things that are God’s.” 

Let’s think about “the things that are God’s.” 

What would that be?  Yes, you are right, everything. Everything is God’s because God created everything – the colorful sunsets, sunshine, raindrops, ladybugs, eagles, forests, mountains, friends, bananas, tomatoes, roses, – everything.  The way that we can honor God is to give back to God what God has given to us.  The way we do that is to let God know that we are thankful for the gifts God has given us.

Everyday, in a journal, list two or three things for which you are thankful.  If you aren’t in the habit of writing in a journal, perhaps you could start one.  If you are just learning to write, ask Mom or Dad to help you record “thankful things” in your journal before you go to sleep each night.Everyday you will find many things for which to give thanks – and you will be giving to God “the things that are God’s.”  Don’t be surprised if you feel more happy and blessed – that’s another gift from God! 

Spirituality The Episcopal Church Children's Homily Clergy Ordinary Time Podcast The Rev. Charles C. McCoart Jr.