every now and then--though probably not an often as i should--i stop and take a moment to deliberately & intentionally remind myself of all that i have to be grateful for. even amidst the everyday stresses, the ebbs & flows of life/my own thoughts/own issues, i am learning how to silence all of the voices around me--even my own--and just really center myself and be thankful.
today, i am thankful for (in no particular order):
--my job. though it drives me crazy some days, it allows me to flexibility to drop everything at a moment's to pick up my sick baby..which i had to do just a week ago.
--my sisters-of-the-heart. i miss my best friend JMD and my cousin CLM so much sometimes that it hurts, but i know they are never more than a phone call away. their unconditional love, prayers, and truth-spoken-in-love have sustained and blessed my life more than i could ever put into words.
--sunshine! after days and days of rain, warm weather allows me the opportunity to get outside with PC and teach her how to ride her brand-new bike. that smile on her face is priceless.
--wisdom. PC's first name means 'wisdom' in Greek and i am grateful each and every day for the knowledge that has come from being her mom and the new lessons that i learn about her, about myself, and about the world around me.
--fresh food. i had farm-raised salmon for dinner, organic veggies, ripe strawberries. while many ppl (particularly the poor & ppl of color) live in 'food deserts' where they don't have access to quality, healthy food for their families, i am a stone's throw away from a market where anything and everything are at my fingertips and i can enjoy the natural goodness that the earth has to offer.
--a servant's heart. the 'assignments' that the Lord sends me on, i oftentimes don't know why He chooses me b/c i certainly don't feel equipped most days! but, over and over again, He has chosen me to do His work in some small way. the cross i bear is heavy, but it is all that He might be glorified. i'm grateful that when my soul is empty, His spirit fills me up.
-- deliverance. i don't do the things i used to do. say the things i used to say. act the way i used to act. respond the way i used to respond. i am not perfect, but i'm come a looooong way, baby. thanks be to God.
--memories. most happy. some bittersweet. a few painful. all valuable.
---
of course this list is not all-inclusive, but just a sampling of what i came up with by just sitting still for a few moments. i encourage each of you to take 15 mins a day of silence to reflect and remember the big & small things. to examine. to engage.
to exude GRATITUDE.
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