Gratefulness

Gratefulness-

adjective

1. Warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful.

2. expressing or actuated by gratitude

3. pleasing to the mind or senses; agreeable or welcome; refreshing

Gratefulness is expressing sincere appreciation to God and to others for the ways they have benefited my life. 

Today I am feeling that gratefulness needs to be my motto.  I awakened in the night with thoughts of gratefulness for different people and things in my life.  For me, it is very easy to see the many things to complain about, especially with an insanely busy week ahead.  Yet, I have a peace because of the many blessings in my life!

So....I am grateful today for

 being allowed a weekend away with my husband;

healthy, happy, children;

sunshine and cool breezes;

fresh fruit;

friends who are "God with skin on" to me-you know who you are :);

the ability to stay at home with my children while my hubby slaves away;

my garden;

books;

not having to mow the yard (due to the drought which I am not thankful for but there is still a blessing in it);

friends, friends, friends;

music;

ice water;

Ok, this list could go on and on.  I know a lot of the things I listed seem trivial, yet I feel these are the things often taken for granted.  

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thes 5:18

This is a verse that God is continually teaching and working out in me.  It is very easy to give thanks when life is looking rosy, but not so much when you are on the down side of the mountaintop.  In everything...  This is my goal and a continual work in progress.  

Today....I choose gratefulness.