Blessed...

I feel like I am always analyzing...my life, really -- my friendships, my church, my family, my motives...the way I take care of my home, everything. But...why?! Its generally because of some sort of comparison: looking at someone else and wishing I was a little more like them...that I had what they had, looked like they did...or the opposite: thanking my lucky stars that I am NOT like 'them', that I don't act like 'them' or have what they have...

But, its crazy. I am purposing to stop doing this so much, and instead look to the Lord, and what He has given me -- what He IS giving me, how blessed my life really is...to look at the every-day and count my blessings. I need reminders of this, and...I've said it before, but...my friend Amy is a good reminder to 'savor' the little things in life. For my own benefit more than yours, I will write of the little things...just TODAY that are blessings in my life...there are many, but if I look hard enough, I think even TODAY's blessings are probably greater than I realize. If I just count:

1. Waking up just before 8:00 - - WITH a toddler - - after a lovely night’s sleep. I have friends whose kids wake up at 5:00. I feel quite blessed to not wake before 8:00 most days.

2. Cuddling with my boy on the couch before we ‘ready’ for the day...and having him spontaneously telling me he loves me. All those promptings for all those months finally paying off!! Haha.

3. Having a lovely shower with some new yummy smelling shampoo while Jonah makes a birthday card for his little friend, Georgia.

4. Having a delish breakfast made for me and my boy while we celebrate his friend’s little birthday - pancakes, tons of fruit and coffee...and friends.

5. Coming home and having time to tidy up after a week of neglecting my house...

6. Neglecting my house for good reason: visiting my dear friend, Angie for the past week + and pretending like we still live close even though there are hundreds of miles separating us now. Being able to share our hearts and just ‘be’...

7. Having left-overs for lunch, and eating on the couch with my boy before he naps and I go to work for the day. Seeing his excitement at being able to eat on the couch!

8. Having my mom live close enough and be willing enough to look after my kid while I work, and not paying someone who DOESN’T love him to look after him. And praises that I don’t have to work very often. Its just not my thing.

9. Coming to work and having Angie come and say good-bye while she leaves me for another few months, and bringing me a yummy treat from Starbucks to ease the drudge of working just a little bit...and knowing I will see her again at Christmas...and not having to wait until next summer.

10. Hearing Jonah laughing outside my office window, running down the walk-way in the sudden down-pour, proclaiming how he loves the rain! And seeing his sweet face hidden under his bright yellow rain jacket...and a fresh muffin made by his Mammie...and delivered by the 2 best boys in the world.

11. Seeing my husband for the first time today (I don’t count the quick peek through one sleepy eye this morning at 5:40 when his alarm went off and he kissed me good-bye), and still being so in love with him...I’m not kidding, either. I love him.

12. Having my sister drop in to visit me at work and sharing some of her McDonald’s french fries with me – and my very own Coke and peach pie...mmmm. I’m so happy she lives near me...and that we get to spend so much time together. Quality time. Both of our love languages.

13. Internet access. I’m not kidding – I finished my work long ago, and if it weren’t for this computer and having access to the world-wide-web...I feel quite certain I would have lost it by now. Thank you Amanda, for obliging me and writing me!

14. Having 20 minutes left to work, and then being able to go home, and only having to drive a mile before I step into my cozy little home...and finally get to hang out with my husband after a very long day.

15. This is just today...my life is filled – FILLED – with lovely things. I am determined to count them more than I do.