A Week's Journey in Gratitude

The leaves on this tree take my breath away.  Something like ordinary green leaves on a tree that transform into pure golden loveliness is awesome.

Fall and winter are difficult seasons for me to embrace.  The darkness and dreariness that accompanies them can be discouraging.  Yet every year I do make it through.

This past week, as the rain poured down outside my window, my eyes caught something beautiful.  Against the thick, black wall of clouds in the sky was the tree in front of our house.  The leaves, (red as red can be), were boldly making a statement.  They seemed to be saying, if it weren't for the darkness of this season, the brilliance of our leaves would not be as wonderful to behold.

This past week for "Calm Mom October" I have been focusing on on an attitude of gratitude.

It's amazing to me what happens when I turn the dimmer on other things around me and turn the spotlight up on one particular thing.  Not only am I given opportunities to exercise this specific discipline, I am reminded of it's great importance as I serve Jesus, my husband, kids, extended family, friends, etc.

This past week when I would go to thank the Lord for His blessings, I would start with virtually nothing on my mind, then, as if the flood gates broke open, I could not stop praising God for things large and small.

Even the not so great things.

My "friend", conjunctivitis, has once again decided to pay a visit to my eye for the 2nd time in 2 weeks.

This is NOT something I enjoy or long for in my life.  But I felt Jesus whispering to my heart that at least I can be thankful it's just one eye and at least this is not permanent.  And, at least I still will be able to have my vision when it finally clears up -- my vision is something I don't even think about most of the time.

(T asked me why I had sad eyes.  I was so touched that he would even noticed that my eye is not well.)

I am gearing up for another long 3 weeks as my husband works long days to get ready for a client meeting this week and then is out of town 2 times over the next 2 weeks.

Taking what I am learning, I trust that the Lord will once again whisper to me and remind me of the beautiful gifts He has lavishly given to me and our family.

Thank you in advance, dear Jesus, for what you have in store for us this week.  May I hear your precious voice speak to my heart.  Thank you.