Gratitude is meeting a mountain of dishes with a silent prayer of thanksgiving for the abundance of food on our table…
it’s replacing the urge to be exasperated over the smeared windows (again) with a reminder that those little hand prints are growing quickly…
it’s picking up my husband’s dirty socks (he knows where they go) and remembering my friend who just lost her husband and would give anything to pick up his dirty socks again…
it’s training my ear to hear the melody of “Mama” repeated over and over in a day—how sweet the sound if only I’ll listen…
it’s praising God for rain because blankets and books and snuggles are life-giving moments….
it’s choosing to focus on the sweet breath of my baby in the night, and not on how little sleep I’ve gotten lately….
it’s a reflection on the privilege of taking care of the people around me–“when you do it unto the least of these, you’ve done it unto Me”…
it’s bringing into remembrance, each day, the grace that has been poured out on my life, and the Giver that gave all…
Gratitude is seeing what is in light of what could be and living thankfully on purpose.
13 comments
Wonderful – thank you for the reminder to be grateful for everything.
Thanks, Kelly. I really needed that today.
With 3 little ones sick, I’ve gotten an average of 3 hrs of sleep the past 4 nights. And with a five-hour trip ahead of us, it has been difficult to concentrate without grumbling and complaining.
Thank you for encouraging me to stop and appreciate the fact that I have these little blessings. There are so many moms with aching, empty arms right now that I feel ashamed for being so discontent.
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
(I Thessalonians 5:18)
aw… nice reminder…always needed for me. 🙂 thanks.
Beautiful words and images. I was reminded, too, that our thankfulness should spring from the fact of God’s goodness, not some circumstantial “evidence.” Give thanks to the Lord for He is Good!
Thanks for such an uplifting post, Kelly! It is often a matter of focusing on the good gifts of the Lord and away from out selfish wants, that opens our eyes to how truly blessed we are.
Kelly,
I love this! Thanks for sharing. I read this to my boys and they said, “Wow, that makes you think doesn’t it.”
Kelly,
I want you to know I am greatful for you and this blog .Thank you for letting God use you in a mighty and wonderful way.
That was beautiful, Kelly, thanks. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Lucy, Lisa and all,
Thank you so very much!!! And wishing all of you a very blessed, relaxed and warm Thanksgiving Day as well!
That was great! Thanks!
Beautiful post. Hope your Thanksgiving was great.
Love this post Kelly! Thanks.
Oh… what a sweet reminder! Just getting to some of your posts. We were with family this past week, so I am just now catching up!