In the spirit of the season I thought I would create a list of things I am thankful for.Some of the them are BIG things and other things are actually quite small, but I'm including them because they are very important and I am convinced that we each receive small blessings every day, but we often don't even take note of them. Especially me, who has been known to see the glass as half empty, a few times too many.
I am thankful for...
My infertility that taught me what a gift it is to have a child.
God's grace in making it possible, through infertility treatments, for me to become a mother of four healthy children when I feared I wouldn't even have one.
A home to keep myself busy in where I know my family is safe.
The gentleman at Starbucks who saw me struggling with a baby carrier and drink carrier and took them out of my hand to carry it to the middle of the parking lot with his young teenage daughter when they were just walking into the Starbucks.
The elderly man who saw me coming across the parking lot with the baby in the carrier and waited, just so he could hold the door open for me. And yes, I was once again at Starbucks...Perhaps that is where the nicest people congregate?
Grande whole milk no water Chai Tea Latte's & toffee almond bars from Starbucks
Okay, I'll stop talking about Starbucks now.
A husband who works hard to provide for our family and unwinds by going to the gym or the golf course instead of going to a bar.
A husband who is now a Christian and my biggest supporter as a homeschool mom.
Living in a country and state that make it easy for me to homeschool my children.
Being able to stay home full time and homeschool my children.
Living in Florida where I can be close to my family and away from all things snowy--- because I never learned layering and I don't like to be cold.
A husband who is fighting hard to make sure every employee in his company continues to have a job at his company in this questionable economy because it is the right thing to do.
Having children who love books more than they love television.
Having children who shout hooray! when I tell them we are going to the library.
For not finding anymore Darkling Beetles after my mealworm experiment gone bad.
Forgiveness from the people I have hurt at various times in my life who accepted my sincere apology and gave me a second chance at friendship and at love.
My friends who know I'm not perfect but love me anyway.
My friends who keep inviting me to things even though I frequently have to say no. It means a lot to be included.
Blogging friends I have met such as Nikowa, Amy, and Amy (to name but a few).
Marsha, for showing me what faith and love look like and that God is the same today as he was yesterday and will be tomorrow.
Kim for teaching me to knit----even though I think I forgot it all now.
Friends who are kind to my children and make them feel welcome, accepted and loved.
My wonderful church and church family.
Salvation
Cable Internet
Blogger
Date nights
Nobu sushi
Mani/Pedi's
Paperbackswap.com If you haven't tried it, you really should. It is amazing for booklovers. If you join and list 10 books you will get two free credits to use now. If you add "KarinKath" in the referral line I will get a free credit too!
Librarything.com
I love seeing all my books cataloged so neatly online and it saves me from purchasing duplicates and reminds me of what I have packed away!
Heart of the Matter (and everyone on the team) for allowing me to be a part of what their encouraging ministry, their friendship and for encouraging me in my writing.
People who take the time to read my blog and (ahem) leave a comment or two. It makes me feel valued when I'm feeling forgotten.
Finally hearing my father say he was proud of me.
Having a grandmother who made each of her grandchildren believe they were her favorite. I still however maintain that I was her absolute favorite.
Experiencing the amazingly scrumptious feeling of a baby sleeping on your chest...four times!
Lindsey, our babysitter from the local christian college, who helps me with baths and getting the kids down 3-4 nights per week!
Anytime my husband offers to get up with the baby or help with night bottles.
Times that I can go to bed at 8:30pm. I'm cool like that.
Getting a package, magazine or letter in the mail. Basically anything other than a bill!
I know the holidays can be a tough time for many. If you are in this group consider creating a list of things you have to be thankful for. It will change your mood and your outlook. There is always something to be happy about. Remember, only you can choose your attitude.
4 comments:
Thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind words. Take care!
Well said my friend. I am going to do this soon.
I'm thankful for you too!
I especially appreciated the first item on your list. Who would have ever imagined that we could be grateful for infertility. And yet, it brings us to where - and who - we are today.
I think I'll start working on my list, too!
It's especially nice these days-- when everyone seems to be in a hurry (esp. at Starbucks!)--to have someone stop just to help out! I'm thankful for Starbucks too!
Post a Comment