Thankful Thursday

As I was feeling overwhelmed these past couple weeks with the long list of "to-dos," I took a step back and breathed a sigh of thanksgiving. Whenever I feel like I need a break or new surroundings, I go outside. There I can take in fresh air and greet the sunshine of growth.

While I was reading The Happiness Project on my back patio, I came upon the quote, "It's easy to make the mistake of thinking that if you have something you love or there's something you want, you'll be happier with more." It struck me as being grateful for what you have. Even if you already have something you love, thinking that you need more of it, can loose it's admirability and value when you have great quantity. It becomes something you're used to rather than cherishable treasure.

I don't want to take even the "smallest things" for granted so as I pondered back upon these past few days, I wrote down a few things I am thankful for.

My supportive husband
He is the reason I am able to chase my dreams and do what I love. He is my rock, my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. He encourages me when I need it, even when I think I don't and he listens to my spiels even when they seem pointless.

Parenthood & Our Son 
Upon pediatrician recommendation, we have been seeing a speech educator for our 26 month old son due to "the lack of words he can communicate" but we have had some hard days these past few weeks. Temper tantrums were awful and it seemed like the teaching sessions weren't even worthwhile. I almost gave up. Yesterday though, there was noticable change. Little man was pointing to correct photos and following directions from the teacher much better than previous weeks. His speech is developing quicker and progress is being made. I know he will speak when his time comes. 
I'm not a mother who is pushing my child to fit a "perfect mold" or to be somebody else other than his curious, fearless and lively self. I just know that a lot of the tantrums come out of frustration from communication barriers. As first time parents, there is so much to learn and we are doing the best we can. It can be hard at times when the kicking and screaming carries on but I know with diligence and patience on our part, it will get better. I am completely thankful for a healthy son and his spirit as well as what he is teaching us.

Early Mornings
I have NEVER been a morning person. In fact, I hated the thought of even waking up before 8am. After feeling run down throughout the day and not feeling like I've accomplished much at all, I challenged myself. I figured if I could wake up before my son and start the day off with chores already getting done, a clean house (although it wouldn't stay clean) and orders getting filled, I'd feel much more productive. Turns out, not only do I feel more productive but I have more energy, we have more time to spend with one another (since chores are done, it's worry free relaxing outdoors for a bit with the babe) and my favorite thing about early mornings-I can do my devotion in peace and quiet without distractions. These mornings have brought more joy throughout my day than before and I am so thankful.

My "Job"
I don't like calling it a "job" since it seems to bring negative connotations but Love Sparkle Pretty allows me to help provide for my family, work from home and I ENJOY it. It truly is a calling that I am so thankful the Lord allowed me to answer.

Friendship
Recently, I've had a friend in the hospital due to a horrible infection from a prior dentist visit. The whole side of her face swelled up, she had to visit the ER a few times, go into surgery, get a drain placed and removed and hooked up to IVs several times. This is not easy stuff. I am so grateful for her friendship and the several prayers that have poured in from so many. She is now on her way to recovery and feeling a lot better than before. Thank you Lord! 

Needs that are Met
As my husband and I were talking about paying off certain things-or trying to anyway, it's easy to be distracted by, "If only..." and "What if..." We talked about saving enough money to pay off school loans and our car and then realzing, "oh, I also have medical bills from my recent surgery" and so forth. That talk could quickly turn negative and for a moment it did. Rather than stewing on "If only we had enough money to just pay everything off right now," we gave thanks for our needs that are met, a roof over our heads, transportation, clothes on our back, shoes on our feet and food in our bellies. We also gave thanks for the mere fact that we at least have the income to even achieve paying off bills-even if they aren't paid off now, one day, they will be.

"A grateful heart will protect you from negative thinking."

I want to live a more full and present life rather than thinking "what if..." and dwelling on the future. My word this year is TRUST and I am practicing just that. Trusting that the Lord will open and close doors, take care of our needs and guide our lives according to his will.

What are you thankful for and what are some things you tend to unnoticably take for granted?

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