Gratitude

 

My heart feels full of gratitude this dark, early morning. I am grateful for hot, soapy water  to wash out pukey bowls, for a washing machine, for a hot cup of Echinacea tea, for cozy socks, a decent night of sleep and the fact that my sweaty, sleepy baby is happy being carried around on my back while I get stuff done.

 

  Although it was NOT nice to wake up to a puking baby, I can't help but think "at least it was not the middle of the night", "at least Nate was home to help with the sheets", "at least it is a Saturday and I am not trying to get the girls ready for school". The remainder of our morning was spent listening to classical Irish music on spotify and slowly catching on the dishes that I did not have the energy to tackle the night before.

 

Gratitude.

It is not always easy to find things to be grateful for in the midst of a crummy situation, but it is a valuable skill to have.

 

Lately I have been reading a heavy peice of medical literature about the horrific conditions in which people lived in the 1800's. As a result I have found myself appreciating the things in my life that I ordinarily take for granted. I also find myself overwhelmed with gratitude that I don't have to watch my children die of scurvy or starvation. Man, if that doesn't put things into perspective, I don't know what will.  

 

We have SO much to be grateful for.

 

I admit I have not been a source of gratitude the past couple of years. I have grumbled and complained a great deal. I have not always been enjoyable to be around. I have been guilty of being cynical, critical and negative.  Sleep deprivation has certainly played a role in my attitude and in my ability to cope with life, but I think it is possible to have a cheerful heart and a positive outlook despite one's circumstances. I admire people would have been through insane amounts of loss and brokenness and yet are still able to utter the words penned by a man named Horatio G. Spafford. You may recognize the words...

1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
   When sorrows like sea billows roll;
   Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
   It is well, it is well with my soul.
2.  

I feel as though the Lord is working on this area of my life right now, teaching me that it means to be able to say "it is well with my soul". Teaching me how to have an "attitude of gratitude" as my father would say. It sounds corny, but there is incredible beauty in those words.