I have been in quite the 'mood' lately. I have been struggling so much with everything it seems. Part of it is most likely 'pregnancy' related, but still I know what the big culprit is. I was sharing my frustrations, anxieties, stresses, worries with my husband and he looked at me and said "Vanessa maybe you need to heed what that book says and start counting your blessings". So today I start, I will count even when I feel like there is nothing to count, when I feel like a phony because I struggle, I hurt, I get angry, and really don't feel like I have anything in my life to be 'grateful' for. I see the evil, the fallen ways of sinful beings day in and day out. I ache, I cry, I lament, but not as much as He does. It is so hard to count when everything seems so insignificant and trivial compared to the hurt and pain that so many go through day in and day out. I don't know how to count some days, but I know I need to.
Here I go, on my journey to 1000 gifts.
1. A husband that really loves me, like really truly loves me, puts up with me, holds me, lets me cry and encourages me.
2. My beautiful sister and the fact that she lets me be Queen! :o)
3. Prayers from a 4 1/2 year old.....
"I love you Jesus and I just love everyone" (I wish you could hear all of the things he says..what can I say, he makes his momma proud--he has such an amazing heart!)
4. Unforgotten memories of my Dad.
5. Ice-cream after a Sunday afternoon nap.
6. BBQ's with former colleagues and yummy, new salads and recipes to try.
7. Pumpkin puree from the garden (thanks mom) and the yummy treats it makes.
8. Gingerale.
9. Massages from my hubby and the kids.
10. The miracle of life as I feel the little one inside me kick and move like crazy.
11. Sick days.
12. My beautiful princess and how she loves kisses, 'cuggles' and to tell us that she loves us.
3 comments:
Oh, welcome to the community of counters!! I love this book too! I have been so blessed and anchored by my counting of the grace and blessings. When I stop and take note of even the simplest little thing that He places in my day such a sense of peace and calm comes into my heart and my mind. I know that He is looking after everything in my world and I am HIs precious child. Sometimes I wonder if such little things are worthy of giving thanks and then I remember that those things wouldn't be there if He hadn't ordained it. I hope that you will find peace and joy in the little tinies and the gigantics!
I am so glad you are doing this, V. Love your first list.
"One Thousand Gifts" sounds like a book that I, too, would enjoy reading. Helge has made comments to me very similar to John's comments to you. Helge has said, "Oh Girl, you don't know how lucky you are!" Reflecting upon his comment, I realize how true that is. Life's experience and aging has helped me better understand that.
I always complained about the time (2hours) that driving has taken out of my daily schedule. Since I became ill, I have not been allowed to drive. Hopefully, there will come a time when I can get behind the wheel again!! For now, I am enjoying being chauffeured by my willing husband.
I enjoy living close to nature, and observing the changes. The contrast of the new lime green growth of the spruce trees compared to the dark green of the old growth is captivating. The delicate mauve flower and twining vine of the native clematis is so beautiful.
Since I've been sick I've been showered with blessings: emails, phone calls, visits, beautiful cards, flowers, homemade food, homemade quilt, magazines and books. Two weeks ago, Nadine and Laurel purchased bedding plants and hanging baskets and planted all the containers surrounding my cabins. Then they made dinner. How spoiled can one get?
My experience in life is that the things we often worry about never materialize. The things we never thought about appear from left field. Thus, it is good to enjoy each day, count our blessings, and be at peace!!
Love,
Auntie Elaine
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