Gratitude – July 13

I am finding that to be more and more true.  When I think about all of the things that I have to be grateful for, I am much happier.  Today, like all the days before it, was full of gratitude worthy moments for me.

• Austin and I went grocery shopping.  It seems like it’s been a long time since we did this chore together, it’s been one of us rushing to the store to just get a few things.  Today we shopped together, taking our time, talking about what we would have for meals this week, laughing and being silly the whole time.  I am so fortunate that Austin and I always have so much fun together, even doing the mundane daily things that we all have to do.
• I napped, even though I thought I didn’t want to.  I often fall into the Sunday trap of not wanting to nap because I don’t want to sleep away the last day of the weekend.  The truth is, I know that it’s important to rest (and what better day than Sunday) especially when I know I have a busy day coming.  Tomorrow will be at least a 12 hour work day because it’s the start of classes, so I know that I need to be rested and ready to go.  Anyway, my ever-persuasive husband talked me into laying down and I went right to sleep.  I woke up a little grumpy because I didn’t want to get up, but after a bit I felt great and happy and I was glad that I had slept.
• We had Bible study this evening and I really enjoyed it.  There was a lot of discussion and thought sharing.  I am moved by the honesty that our little group shares.  For me, our study on Sunday evenings is a lot like an AA meeting; I always feel better after it than I did before.  Even when, like today, I am happy going in, my mood and perspective is improved after spending a couple of hours with friends who I love, having dinner and talking about God.  It really is a beautiful thing.
• We had an awesome monsoon thunderstorm tonight.  There was lots of thunder and lightning and a down-pouring of rain.  It smells wonderful and it lowered the heat.  I know that it will be muggy and humid tomorrow, but standing outside (under the eaves so we stayed dry) listening and watching and feeling the storm makes it worth it.
• I am typing this as I’m lying in bed next to Austin, who is reading.  Just before we came to bed, we spent some time with the puppies.  They are 17 days old today and they all have their eyes and ears open now.  They are standing up, on shaky legs, and are starting to try to play with each other.  It’s so cute to see.  They nip at each other with their little toothless mouths and crawl all over each other.  Until one is overcome by sleepiness and then it’s game over.  There is something so soothing and calming about watching and holding these little creatures.  I think it was Charles Schultz who said, “Happiness is a warm puppy.”  He couldn’t have been more right.

I hope that you all have had a wonderful weekend full of gratitude worthy moments.  They’re there, sometimes you have to look harder to find them than others, but there is always something to be thankful for.