Gratitude
Well, this post would be a lot better if I could remember the thing that inspired me to write it, but I don't. Remember it, that is. I just know that I was at someone's house, and I saw something about being grateful, and so I stopped and thought about what I was grateful for, and it was a really good feeling, and I decided to write a blog post about it. But then time went by and other things happened and I never did. It was a really good, uplifting feeling though, and so I've decided to write this blog post anyway, even though this is the lamest introduction to a post I've ever written.
I know it's not Thanksgiving, but here are a few things that I am grateful for today: (please, don't read any deep meaning into the order, either.)
1. I am grateful for my health. I know I complain a lot about being sick, and I often wish that my body were stronger without having to lift weights like Devin does, but all things considered, I am healthy, and I am strong enough to do the things I need to do. (Although, exercising definitely wouldn't hurt me.)
2. I am grateful that my family is healthy. Again, I know I whine a lot about them being sick all the time, but I need to stop doing that, because really a couple cases of pinkeye never did that much damage to anyone. (except my mom's goat, whose eyeball popped out of its socket because of the pressure. But that's another story.)
3. I am grateful for people who know me really well and love me anyway. AND people who know me well, and love me enough to tell me when to get over things, and when I need to chill out.
4. I am grateful for the time that we've lived here in Peoria. I've learned a lot about myself (for a post another time), and I have grown a lot as a mother and a wife. I am more comfortable with having that as a large, perhaps the main, part of my identity now.
5. I am grateful that winter is always followed by Spring. My favorite days of, well, of ever, are the days on the tail end of winter when there is no bitterness in the wind, and your skin knows that soon you won't need a coat. And that smell in the air that tells your nose that soon there will be flowers.
6. I am grateful that mistakes aren't (don't have to be) permanent - that we can live life on a learning curve, and that God is patient.
7. I am grateful for all the people who read my blog and leave comments, because sometimes when I am feeling a little trapped by the weather, and the toddler, and the newborn, and that we only have one car, reading your comments helps me feel connected to the big world out there. So, I'm grateful to you, too.
(Assuming you leave a comment, that is.)
And that goes double for you Nicole. I'll be checking.
I know it's not Thanksgiving, but here are a few things that I am grateful for today: (please, don't read any deep meaning into the order, either.)
1. I am grateful for my health. I know I complain a lot about being sick, and I often wish that my body were stronger without having to lift weights like Devin does, but all things considered, I am healthy, and I am strong enough to do the things I need to do. (Although, exercising definitely wouldn't hurt me.)
2. I am grateful that my family is healthy. Again, I know I whine a lot about them being sick all the time, but I need to stop doing that, because really a couple cases of pinkeye never did that much damage to anyone. (except my mom's goat, whose eyeball popped out of its socket because of the pressure. But that's another story.)
3. I am grateful for people who know me really well and love me anyway. AND people who know me well, and love me enough to tell me when to get over things, and when I need to chill out.
4. I am grateful for the time that we've lived here in Peoria. I've learned a lot about myself (for a post another time), and I have grown a lot as a mother and a wife. I am more comfortable with having that as a large, perhaps the main, part of my identity now.
5. I am grateful that winter is always followed by Spring. My favorite days of, well, of ever, are the days on the tail end of winter when there is no bitterness in the wind, and your skin knows that soon you won't need a coat. And that smell in the air that tells your nose that soon there will be flowers.
6. I am grateful that mistakes aren't (don't have to be) permanent - that we can live life on a learning curve, and that God is patient.
7. I am grateful for all the people who read my blog and leave comments, because sometimes when I am feeling a little trapped by the weather, and the toddler, and the newborn, and that we only have one car, reading your comments helps me feel connected to the big world out there. So, I'm grateful to you, too.
(Assuming you leave a comment, that is.)
And that goes double for you Nicole. I'll be checking.
I love the way you worded number 5. That's totally the feeling isn't it? I love it too. Though some of my favorite days are the warm autumn ones full of brilliant colors and knowing that you lived a good summer and they'll be another one to look forward to. (Mine isn't as pretty of yours, but I try, I try)
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful for you, Ames. ...Couldn't live healthily without you. =)
Poor Carmen the goat. That definitley is another story. And it's disgusting. Poor goat. Was the eyeball able to be put back in?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your list. And I'm sorry about being slow to read your blog. We don't have internet at our new house until Wednesday. I suggest you call ahead of time to set that up, because at least here, it takes a few days, because they mail you the modem. So, if you want internet right away, then call a few days before you move. Or don't worry about it if there's no rush. :)
I've been thinking about this a bit lately as well, since there were a couple of good articles about gratitude in this month's Ensign. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you guys are healthy, too, Amy. And I love spring, and also fall, right when the air gets cold, but when you wear a jacket you are not freezing.
ReplyDeleteOnce I start freezing I hate cold. But I like it if I can stay warm.
Good luck on your move!
Ew. Double ew. I so could have gone my whole life without knowing that the pressure from pink eye could force a goat's eye to pop out.
ReplyDeleteSo gross.
Great list, otherwise. :)
Thanks for your list, it made me realize that I need to be grateful for some things that I take for granted. Especially SPRING! I am not a fan of cold, snow, ice, wind or freezing anything. I started trying to wear some spring clothes, but I was so cold I am back to winter sweaters and long johns under my pants. I am really going to appreciate summer this year - assuming we do get summer.
ReplyDeleteAlso I just heard that a friend's son who is on a mission in Chile is okay, and that makes me grateful for my healthy children and grandchildren - something else I should not take for granted.
Here's a comment. I always read, I mean skim, your blog. And today's "gratitude for comments" caught my eye. I love comments too; thanks for always leaving some behind. I'll try to be better.
ReplyDeleteAmes, i love the list. They were well thought out. It made me think of the things i am grateful for. That is something i need to do more often. I miss you tons!
ReplyDeleteHey! I finally set up an account so I can make comments. An attitude of gratitude makes all the difference in life. Every day is a great day! You have a very thoughtful list.
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