While this is the last day of the month and officially the last day of the gratitude project, I know that gratitude is a daily exercise, whether written or spoken. Gratitude keeps life in perspective. No matter what the day brings there is always something for which to be grateful. So today I’m just grateful for life, the great, the not so great, the triumphs, the failures, the little things. God is good and I am grateful for this life He has given to me.
I’m grateful for nosy neighbors. They may be an occasional nuisance but when it really matters I’m grateful to have watchful eyes looking out for the good of our neighborhood.
I’m grateful for golden sugar cookies straight from the oven…hmmm…sugary pieces of heaven.
To be honest I can’t immediately think of anything that I’m grateful for today. It’s been “one of those days”- a day of unpleasant moods and brooding reflections, a day where the cons seem to outweigh the pros. But then I am grateful, grateful for a gracious God who knows me at my core, a God who won’t berate or strike me down in my current state but love and encourage me in spite of…
I’m grateful for drama free bedtimes- no tears or pouts, no screams of dissent, no repeated requests for water- just clockwork precision and maximum relaxation.
I’m grateful for peaceful, joyous family gatherings and that no matter how long it’s been since we’ve seen each other or how short the visit, we pick up where we left off and maximize every moment.
I’m grateful for proper perspective as the Christmas shopping season (and media blitz) takes off full steam.
I’m grateful for my Dad. As I age, I see more and more of his face as I gaze into the mirror and I find myself repeating and acting on little nuggets of his wisdom. I know there are many good men in this world (my husband being one of them) but I like to think when God created my Dad he broke the mold.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to say “Thanks” -not just on tomorrow for Thanksgiving or for the month of November but every single day in word and in deed.
I’m grateful for teachers who carefully and lovingly mold the minds of their students, who encourage their potential…teachers who are called rather than just employed.
I’m grateful for the miracle of birth and precious newborn babies because they often help change perspectives and renew relationships.
I’m grateful for weekends, holidays and the opportunity to spend time with the ones we love the most.
I’m grateful for my husband’s instincts behind the wheel and good brakes…nothing like traveling on Interstate 95 through northern Virginia.
I’m grateful for roadside assistance. When you’re stranded on the side of the road, make that call and then breathe a sigh of relief at the sight of a tow truck, the phrase “money well spent” takes on a whole new meaning.
Barnabas Blessings 