This morning I’m thinking about the journal I’ve begun - writing down 1000 things I’m thankful for. I’m wondering why I’ve been too busy to take the time to write in the journal, berating myself. I’ve been told how to slow time down. Ann Voskamp in her book “One Thousand Gifts” tells me how. Live in the moment, intentional gratitude, recognizing the blessings, thanking God for them. That will slow time down, that will help me step off the treadmill of life. Thank you Lord for a little boy who at bedtime snuggles close and asks for "one more chapter, Mom." These are the moments I treasure. Days and nights together as a family. And they may well be the very best days of our lives, this period of time when the stress and fatigue of pregnancy and babyhood are behind us, and college and marriage, and moving away are in the future, these days when our children are between the ages of 5 and 16, still under our wings, and we are together as a family. Perhaps these are the very best days of our lives, and I will savor each one, recognizing the blessings, the things I love, the everyday graces.
A weekend away together, relaxing
Tiger lilies growing by the roadside
Shrieks of laughter from children on a tire swing
A little boy splashing in the creek, catching little critters in his net
The sound of frogs croaking
Nature, and quiet, and peace
Mountain pies over the fire and s’mores
Sleeping late
Time to discuss our family’s life purpose, how God wants us to live and glorify Him
A daughter reading her Bible
Hiking One Thousand Steps
A garden growing
Healthy food to feed my family
As we hiked up one thousand steps I thought about my list of 1000 things to be thankful for. That written list takes deliberate effort too just like our hike, deliberately putting one foot in front of the other till you reach the top. And then the view, what a beautiful view from the top!
So I will take the time to continue my gratitude list. I will live in the moment and savor today and all of it’s challenges, interruptions, the joy and the laughter all mixed up with the demands and irritations, all of it, life, now, thank you Lord!
