I had a lot of down time (read: scrapbooking time!) after Thanksgiving. I had so much fun (in a reflecting-on-my-soul-kinda-way) making a simple mini album/journal for these two goals that for me are inextricably linked.
#28 Be grateful.
I spent about 4 hours by myself last weekend, curled up on the couch, ruminating on the weight, the magnitude of my gratefulness.
My life has changed dramatically in the past year. In fact, it's been right at a year when I set the divorce in motion. And I'm incredibly grateful for where I am now. I'm grateful for how I feel and how my spirit has changed.
Years ago, I caught part of an episode of Oprah where she talked about journaling and being grateful. She said to always start with "your breath," the ability to be alive, the fact that you're still on this earth with the ability to create your future. For some reason, that stuck with me, and whever I think that I don't have anything to be thankful for, I start with my breath.
If that doesn't get me very far, then I look around at what I take for granted. A couch to sit on. Electricity. A great set of pots and pans.
Then I notice things I have that make me happy. Gray walls. These dishes from Target. Netflix.
And then big things that are hard to put into words. Parents who can't stand to NOT help and are ready to throw punches for me. Family who allows me to make my own decisions and loves me unconditionally. This new family that I fit with seamlessly. Being noticed. Being cherished. Being calm.
#29 Look up.
Jason coaches his son's little league baseball team. Ethen was pitching poorly, and Jason called a time-out. Ethen, knowing he wasn't doing well, had his head down as Jason walked to the mound to talk to him. Jason said, "Why are you looking at the ground right now? Your Savior's not down there."
That's what "look up" means to me.
Seek God. Pray. Notice the gifts He gives us. Keep your chin up.
I think of this most when I literally look up at the sky, particularly when the sun is near the horizon. God makes some gorgeous skies.
Right??
What are you grateful for?
