Today is Thankful Thursday, so I'm linking up with Jennifer for her weekly posts.
This week I have much to be thankful for, but not because anything extraordinary happened, but just because I am counting my blessings.
I have a warm house, a wonderful husband, amazing kids, beautiful grandkids, the bills are paid, there's food in the pantry and fridge, and I have a Savior who loves me, as well as friends and family that do too.
But, even with all of that...sometimes I have to remind myself to be thankful. Can you imagine?!!!
On the quiet days, when I'm home alone, with time to spare, I have to remind myself to enjoy the quiet. I have to remind myself to relax and maybe even sit with feelings that aren't so joyful, just because the house feels empty.
And on the busy days, when everyone seems to need me in some form or fashion, I have to remind myself to be thankful that I am needed. It means that people value my participation in their lives or that they need what only I can bring.
On the days when fears creep in, I'm thankful to have a Savior who tells me, in his word, that if I will draw near to him, he will draw near to me. He also says that those who fear him, he will protect with his presence. If you've ever felt his presence, you know what a gift it is and I am so thankful.
I'm thankful that on Tuesday my daughter-in-love came to hang out, while my son was working. To have these daughters in my life and have the gift of being their friend, as well as the dreaded mother-in-law 😅 is something I don't take for granted! To sit and hear their heart, listen to their joys and struggles, is a privilege and I'm so thankful they value our relationship.
I'm thankful that today a friend is meeting me for lunch and some Christmas music downtown. What a joy!
And I'm thankful for this writing space, where I can share my heart with other women.
Thankfulness is a daily mindset. It doesn't always come naturally, because life happens and we tend to focus on what's not there in the moment. But, if we can just remember to look around and see the ordinary for the "extra" in it, we will have much to be thankful for, every day.
Until Next Time...
Blessings!
What a beautiful list of things to be thankful for today. Isn't it funny how we can be like that- so wishy washy and forgetful? I know I have those tendencies as well and I have to always talk to the Lord about all those feelings that are taking place in my heart. He is so sweet to hear our prayers and to offer the peace that only He can give. As I listened to Christy Nockels story-tell through her songs Tuesday night, I cried through most of them, because they were all birthed as she was going through something uncomfortable or hard...like when her kids started growing up, or when she was going through a health scare. That was the gist of all her songs, though- extreme gratitude that she could pour her heart out to God and that He heard her and helped her through it all. This time of year just gets to me like no other and I am extra sappy and emotional. I usually can't even sing through my tears on most Sundays, because the goodness of God just overwhelms me.
ReplyDeleteI loved this post!
Thank you, Jennifer!
DeleteWe really have so many things to be thankful for.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for each new day and to know God walks along with me.
You know what they say, a thankful person is a happy person. :)
That's a great reminder! It really is true. If you're not a thankful person, you're not very happy at all.
DeleteI loved reading about your bonding with your DIL. HOW awesome
ReplyDeleteYes, being thankful for all we have is great, but I try to say it verbally each night before falling asleep.
Happy Thursday.
Me too :) That's the last thing I say before closing my eyes. I thank God for the day and most of the time, for my nice, comfy bed :)
DeleteOh my goodness! I am so happy to met you! Thank you for visiting my little space. I am so looking forward to visiting you here often. Have a cozy afternoon!
ReplyDeleteHi Billie Jo! Thanks for stopping by!
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