Gratitude

It’s February in the Upper Northwest and I don’t know about you, but this month always seems hard. We see more clouds than sun, it’s cold, the kids are bored and couped up more than usual. My morning motivation to get out of bed, homeschool my kids, clean up messes and do laundry do not seem to motivate me the way they should. Today I was searching through my phone and I found this little gem that was written almost four years ago. 

George, standing there looking like a stuffed burrito in all his winter gear, looked at me and said, “Hey mom can we send a message to God?” “Of course,” I said with a smile, “what do you want it to say?” “I want to tell him thank you for the snow.” As I was hating every second of it, George chose to be grateful. Soon after we prayed, he was riding his bike around the cul-de-sac yelling to the sky, “thank you Jesus for the snow.”

This memory made me smile as I remembered his little voice asking me that question. Today, I use this as a great reminder to find joy, even in the snow and cold. Seeking such things like joy, focus and motivation rarely drop into our lap when things around us may be a bit more stagnant. This is why we have to make habits and efforts to regain these things in our lives, especially as mamas. My new habit and attempt for joy is to refocus on gratitude as my George did. For these last few days of February, I am going to wake up, thank the Lord and write down three things I am grateful for. I am not great at keeping schedules, so this will take a little discipline, but I believe the outcome will be a heap of more joy, focus, contentment and motivation. I encourage you all to do this with me and share the parts of our life that bring us gratitude. When we see darkness, it’s always good to shed a little light. I can’t wait to hear your “thankful thoughts.” Happy February, friends and remember to be grateful in all things. 

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

1. Today, I am grateful that we are celebrating 12 years of wonderful marriage. I married my best friend.
2. Today, I am grateful that I have two sons that I am over the moon about, who fill my life with more joy and laughter every day.
3. Today, I am grateful for coffee. It really does bring me joy! Ha!