He walks with them at sunset and my heart about melts away. I snap pictures and swell with love for them and I add it to my list of one thousand gifts–these blessings I’ve been counting awhile now, into the three thousands now.
I remember reaching one thousand and how looking for His gifts had changed me. And the habit has become part of how I see the world now…
Especially in the tough times.
In the frustrating times.
In the comparing-myself-to-her times.
To pause and look for all He gives.
Giving thanks is always a choice. [Tweet that]
And I won’t lie, sometimes it’s a challenging one.
To surrender frustration to thanks.
To surrender selfishness to gratitude.
To see the glass full because it really is.
And what a gift it has become to live this way.
Trees standing tall,
The sun on leaves,
Flowers blooming in spring,
And the end of another home school year.
A visit with parents I love,
Painted toenails,
Braided hair,
The birth of babies,
And a job I love.
Birds chirping in trees,
Ants crawling on flowers,
And evening family walks on mountain trails.
Kids splashing in the pool,
And always the messes on the floor, because they’re here and playing and full of life.
Oatmeal and peanut-butter toast while watching Alaska The Last Frontier.
Sunshine, green grass.
And Romans 1… now up to verses 1-26 … again and again.
Life is hurried and filled to the brim with to-do lists and deadlines. Cleaning, organizing, reading and writing.
But a pause to stop, and look, and give thanks, always changes everything.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
What are you giving thanks for today?
How has gratitude changed you?
A much needed reminder to me this morning… thank you for sharing 🙂
Jacque,
What beautiful pictures…and yes, giving thanks does transform how we see our lives and others 🙂
Love this post, Jacque. I am inspired to get back to counting my own blessings again. Thank you for sharing some of yours.