Can you handle a second half of yesterday's blessing-counting list? Hope so! I love it that some of you are using this list with kids...I think it's a fantastic exercise! So if you need more options for yourself or your kiddos, here you go!
11. Who made you feel important today?
Part of my work day today included writing thank you notes to places that partnered with me in ministry over the past year. People who invited me to speak, teach, or write for them. And as I wrote each note, I felt the sort of importance that is completely blanketed in gratitude. Not a puffed-up importance, but a genuine thankfulness that these people and places would dare to take a chance on me. That they extended an invitation for me to be part of sacred and important moments for their ministries. Overwhelming.
12. Who or what made you happy today?
I was giddy beyond any explanation to receive our annual photos. We had them taken the night before Halloween, and I've been waiting like a kid waits for Christmas. When I got the text that I'd be receiving the email momentarily, it's possible I jumped up and down and texted Ryan, "BREAKING NEWS! I REPEAT. BREAKING NEWS!" And because I'm that much of a nerd all the time, he actually knew what the breaking news would be.
13. What was your favorite taste, touch, sight, smell, or sound from the day?
Man, this is a trick question, because no matter what I say, Ryan will probably say, "Really? I thought it would be (fill in the blank with something else)." But yesterday was the kind of day that made me so happy to see his "I'm coming home" text EARLY for both lunch and the end of the day. (We had ice. Lots of his patients couldn't get to therapy.) That text is always one of my favorite sights. Obviously also seeing HIM.
14. What do you like about your neighborhood?
So many things. It's quiet, and I like that. It has the best of all the worlds in offering hints of both town and country. We have good neighbors. We have neighbors (vs. abandoned houses). It's a lovely place to live.
15. Who forgave you? Who did you forgive?
Another trick question, because I could probably list a lot for both! But in this season, I must say, I am grateful for the forgiveness that flows in this house. As Ryan and I learn to navigate caregiving and living with another person, we have also learned the need for grace and forgiveness toward each other. I am so grateful for his compassion toward me when I'm beating myself up over my lack of perfection, and I hope he feels that he's loved and forgiven too! (Though I must say I mess up way more than he does.)
16. What did you do today that you couldn't do yesterday?
I ran three miles. I have been in a workout funk this week. I cannot get my head in the game, and it's maddening. Yesterday I did one mile and had to quit. I gave myself a rather stern lecture and climbed back on the treadmill for a second mile, but that was IT. Today I did three miles in a row. (Which I should be able to do with no problem, but this week it's a big problem.) It took a lot of prayer, a lot of quoting Scripture, and a lot of Ryan standing beside treadmill cheering me through the last quarter mile, but I got there.
17. Who thanked you today? How did it make you feel?
Ryan thanked me about 1800 times, and so did his mom. Braeya did not thank me at all. (No surprise there.) Thankful words are always good to hear.
18. Who loves you? Who do you love?
There's no possible way to answer this without leaving out people who deserve to be mentioned. So can I just say how thankful I am for all of YOU who have thrown so much love our way these past few weeks? I have been so thankful for your comments, your texts and emails, and your words when I run into you in person. I do feel awfully loved. And I love you right back.
19. Where did you see God at work today?
In my quiet time this morning, every single verse and quote I ran into was PERFECTLY timed for what I needed. Reminders and convictions of the character I need to be displaying and a reminder, too, of God's love and compassion for me. So very very thankful.
20. What are you most thankful for today?
Working from home. I did not wake up at 5 in the morning stressing about road conditions. I slept blissfully an hour past my alarm, because I didn't have to worry. I didn't have to drive a single mile, and my blood pressure and soul were SO HAPPY.
2 hours ago
4 comments:
You are so reflective!! So many blessings.
About the weather, you're likely also thankful that you moved to the town where Ryan works so he doesn't have to commute as far (which is great in every way but especially when the weather is causing less than ideal driving conditions).
Tamar - Thank you! :)
Maria - YES! Thank you for that addition! It was so great to not have to worry about him - and to get to see him extra because he could come home early!
You and your family have been in my prayers these last couple of weeks (well, you are always in my prayers but particularly these last few weeks as you navigate unchartered waters). The Bible is full of stories of people who did great, tremendous things despite feeling less-than-qualified for the job - although God knew better. As was told to Esther, "Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created." Continued prayers for grace, healing, and comfort. Just keep showing up!
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