GRATITUDE
I haven't had much of it lately. During this month where we are supposed to be giving thanks for everything and preparing for the birth or our savior I have been pretty ungrateful, unhappy, and worst of all, unloving. To my many friends, family, children and myself.
I had a long overdue chat with a friend tonight. I had to do it over Facebook because I knew I didn't have the guts to hear what she had to say over the phone, or worse, to my face. You see, she always gives it to me straight! I have friends that will will let me vent and placate me with assuring words, some that only want to hear the good stuff, and very few that will give it to me straight & tell me to put my big girl panties on and get on with life. Sometimes that's just what I need! Unfortunately, that's NOT what I have been searching for. I was searching for that quiet ear that would listen to my woes and be 100% on my side and tell me exactly what I needed to do and give me the means to execute their well thought out plans. I forgot that the person I was searching for was always with me - listening to my woes - 100% on my side - giving me the means to execute His well thought out plans. I just forgot. GOD.
Anyways, My friend first told me that (basically) my pity party needed to end & I need to Dust myself off & move on. She told me I needed to write down everything I am grateful for. Yes, yes I do. I didn't do it on Facebook while everyone else was. I just couldn't think of 30 things to be grateful for and I am sure no one wanted to see "I am grateful for my children" 30 days in a row. They were the only good things I could see in my life for quite a while (and some days even that was questionable). I think I can do it now.
1) I am thankful for my children - even when they are being smart Alec troublemakers - they still make me smile.
2) I am very grateful for the military and all it provides.
3) I am thankful for the men & women that serve and protect us and our rights.
4) I am thankful for MAIL. Seriously, send a letter, it will make someone smile!
5) I am grateful for a reliable vehicle that gets us where we need to be (usually 10 - 20 minutes early)
6) I am thankful for the many friends and acquaintances that get me.
7) I am thankful that my father is healthy.
8) I am grateful to my step-mother for her insurance that has covered most of my father's medical expenses
9) I am thankful for my brother who just wants to fix things for everyone
10) I am thankful for my sister who just wants everyone to be happy.
11) I am thankful for all the family angels in Heaven watching over us)
12) I am thankful for friends and family that honestly pray for us!
13) I am thankful for SAW's fierce feelings of protection .
14) I am thankful for Bug's quiet observation and sense of knowing what needs to get done.
15) I am grateful for all of the talented musical artists that bless the world with their music and voices every day!
**********Halfway done and I am losing steam, but I will make it!***************************
16) I am grateful to all the writers - everywhere - published or not. Thank you for sharing.
17) I am grateful for all the other bloggers that teach me how to make pretty much everything from scratch.
18) I am grateful for technology that keeps me in constant contact with everyone (even if I don't want it).
19) I am grateful for my mother for all the things she taught me, and all the things she didn't. Some things I just had to learn on my own!
20) I am grateful for my "other mother" for still always being being there for me. She's been part of my life since I was 14, even when she may not have wanted to be!
21) I am thankful that Mike knows how to cook, even if he doesn't do it as much as he used to.
22) I am thankful for the beautiful warm sandy beaches of Florida - I will get back there someday!
23) I am thankful that MJ inherited her daddy's ability to make me laugh.
24) I am thankful that I am creative.
25) I am thankful that there is a free gym within walking distance of my house!
26) I am thankful for water in every form.
27) I am grateful for my first amendment right to free speech.
28) I am thankful for my bed, my cozy blankets, my pillows, and a good book that can help me forget about the days troubles.
29) I am thankful for my Nook!
30) I am thankful for my ability to choose EVERYTHING!
