From Grumbling to Gratefulness
A few weeks back, a friend of mine told me about a goal she
was setting. I’m sure it was around
Thanksgiving because it had to do with thankfulness. I told her I would do the same thing, but I
have failed to do so. Instead, I’ve done
more mumbling and grumbling than anything else.
I’ve had the most difficult time finding joy over the last several weeks
and I know it has to do with all the complaining. And it’s not like I don’t have a reason to
complain. It seems like anything that
can happen has happened. Well, here I am
at the end of this year which has turned out to be one of the least joyful
holiday seasons I’ve had. So, I’m going
to attempt one more time to do what my friend succeeded in, and that’s to find
the little things that God leaves for me throughout the day and week that are a
blessing to me. They are called little
pleasures and treasures. What better way
could there possibly be to begin a brand new year than to count my blessings?
First off, I want to say how thankful I am for my neighbor
and friend who has allowed me to use her clothes dryer after mine broke just
seconds before we left the house on Christmas Eve to visit family. Yesterday, a crown popped off my tooth as I
was flossing my teeth. I called the
dentist, but they could not get me in until January 8th. It could’ve turned out to be a painful and
embarrassing New Years for me. However,
there’s no pain associated with the tooth, and the location is back far enough
that nobody can see it even when smiling.
I also cannot tell you how grateful I am for the young man who is coming
to take care of our elderly dog so we can visit my parents for a couple
days. And finally what brings relief to
my mind and joy to my heart is that fact that my frail grandmother who has
suffered for months with excruciating painful broken bones in her twisted back,
is now on the mend and feeling some relief.
The truth is, these are the big things, and there are a few
little things I could mention, but I think I will wait and write about them
next week. I will also do my best not to
grumble about broken machines and body parts.
And I will consider it a blessing to worry for the precious aging loved
ones in my life.
Amie Spruiell 12/31/2014
It has taken me a while toget to this. Still getting acclimated to being in Bangladesh. When you wrote this I was still in Dhaka having a challenge separating night from day in the time shift I was in. Then we traveled to the village with it's own challenges. Still I have major reasons to be grateful....too many to list, but I am going to look at the small reasons that often get overlooked. The sweetness of my family here in the village who always show their value for me and welcome.
ReplyDeleteGod bless...