“I’m so thankful for babysitters!”
“I am thankful for coffee after last night!”
“I am thankful for my kids.”
Declaring these things that we are thankful for is easy. We can easily recognize the things that make our lives easier or sweeter. The icing on the cake, if you will. But, do we really dig deep and consider what we are thankful for? Obviously, I am thankful for family, for friends, for my faith, for a roof over my head, a vehicle that runs and holds my whole family, and many other things that I think we are each thankful for. But today, I’m going to dig a little deeper and share my list of thankfulness this season.
…for dirty dishes. Dirty dishes used by four people that I love. Dirty dishes filled with edible wonderful meals that I love to cook. Filled with food that we have an abundance of. Meals served to friends who fill our house with love and laughter. Dishes bought and paid for with the job that my husband loves to do.
…for connections. With my husband. With my kids. With my family and friends. Good and bad connections. The good are always sweetest, but the bad give me a chance to do better or to teach my kids more about life.
…for church and community. My church has got to be one of the least threatening places to be. Two years ago, I would have never said that. But, this year, I decided to just jump and trust that God would have good things for me. Community group. Women’s Bible study. Sunday school. Worship service. Volunteering. I’m doing it all. And I am so thankful to have learned how loving and open our church is. What was once intimidating is now a sweet spot in my life.
…for fertility. The ability to conceive is a gift. Whether it happens after college, career, marriage, etc., or not. I may have cursed my fertility before, but I have been reminded what a true gift it is to conceive and to give birth to healthy babies. I am thankful for people in my life who have embraced it as a gift, as well.
…for laundry. Laundry that clothes my family. Laundry that changes each season. Laundry that overflows my upstairs. Laundry that never gets put away. Laundry that never ends. I am thankful that we have more than we need. I am thankful that we can pass it on as my girls grow.
…for tears. Tears that reveal the heart. Tears that get to the root of the problem. Tears that put me on high alert. Tears that resolve problems. Tears that comfort a friend. Tears that speak for themselves.
…for grace. Grace is a beautiful thing. Given and received. It opens the door to sweet friendships. It levels the playing field. Grace allows me to start over. And I need to start over often. Grace that allows me to connect with Jesus, and welcomes me. Grace that my husband extends to me when I fail. Grace that my kids extend to me when I come up short. Grace from our editor when I miss another DMMB deadline…. Thanks, Angela!
These are just a few things that I am thankful for. I fully believe that choosing to be thankful is the best way to live. Life is so much sweeter when you can recognize all that you have as a gift and be humble and thankful.
