Thankfulness Thursday

I hope you will forgive this digression from the usual recipes and random facts about nothing.  Awhile back, a dear friend of mind recommended this book as a great read.   If you haven’t read it yet, you should.  It challenged me to make gratitude a part of my daily life.  Not only does it change our outlook on life, but it strengthens our relationship with God.    Since reading the book, I have tried to make it a practice to write down the things in my life that I am thankful for, recognizing them as good gifts from the Lord.  Here are a few things that have been on my mind lately:

1. This orchid in my kitchen window:

Is there anything more beautiful than an orchid?  The vibrant color adds an exotic flair to my kitchen that make me smile every time I look at it.  Plus, the only thing you have to do to keep it alive is plop three ice cubes in it once a week.  That is my kind of gardening!

2.  My three year old is brimming over with imaginative play these days and I just love it.  Admittedly, she was destined to be this way, coming from two parents with overactive childhood imaginations, but somehow I am still surprised with what she comes up with.  It is not uncommon for her to ask me to refer to her as “Cinderella” or  “Your Majesty” and frequently my husband is dubbed “Prince Charming.” I can’t say I’m too disappointed that her daddy is the man in her life and this sweet uninhibited play is something I know will only be dampened as she grows up, so I want to soak it all in and remember every moment.

3.  My youngest is always keeping me on my toes, but I have never met a friendlier little person.  At church they call her the “little greeter” because she totally works the room and makes sure she has said “hi” to everyone.  She is the kid who will go sit with total strangers at their picnic table for lunch or ask the random woman at the store to pick her up so she can admire her pretty necklace.  I am thankful that she was born with a skill that takes others years to cultivate.  It has sparked many an interesting conversation with people I may otherwise never have talked to.

4.  Over the weekend, we were able to celebrate a family who is moving away to pursue a calling in ministry.  Goodbyes are so bittersweet, aren’t they?  It is sad to see someone you care about move on, but it allows you to truly reflect on the ways they have enriched and changed your life.  This friend has been an example of the wife and mother that I strive to be, humble and serving, full of life and deeply genuine.  Her impression on so many people will be lasting and fondly remembered.

That’s all I have for today.  I may throw a few of these posts in from time to time just to mix things up a bit and keep life interesting.  I hope you don’t mind!

What are you thankful for today?