Let’s focus on gratitude for just a moment on this Monday. For me it’s the start of another work week but I am encouraged to go to a job that I am enjoying.
Well, taking the time to think about how grace and gratitude have intersected my life this week allows me to reflect. Reflection is something I have been missing in my life lately. I have rushed from one thing to another for more weeks than I care to count and all the while not stopping to ponder how richly I am blessed.
I have to admit that since I returned from Vegas I have been totally struggling with a really messed up digestive system. I mean to be honest, I have some issues that I’m trying to work through but eating differently and being off schedule has really made me quite miserable for a last couple of weeks. By grace this week I made a few simple changes in my eating schedule to alleviate some stress on my digestive system. I’m so thankful for a few days without bloating and tummy rumblings. Now I have one more thing I’ve learned and I can incorporate that into the mix. It takes so much work to pay attention to your body…but it is worth the time and effort.
By grace my hubby and I were affirmed as members of the new church we have been attending. On Wednesday we attended the member meeting where sweet brothers and sisters in Christ prayed for us. We were super grateful to have been a part of the meeting and hearing all the Lord has been doing in the lives of the members.
I talked to my daughter a little bit this week and she is doing so well. After having to move on short notice she found a place with her roommate and they both love it. This was an answer to prayers that we prayed for her. She also got two of the most adorable kittens. Who wouldn’t want these? I’m so grateful to know she is doing so well.
Can I just be grateful for enjoying my job and the people I work with each day? This is grace to me and I am ever so grateful to work with such wonderful people. Yes, I’m still basically pushing paperwork but I am in a position where I interact with a variety of people. I truly enjoy that and it encourages me.
On Saturday we stopped by our local Community Market. Wasn’t I surprised to see a vendor booth with one of my previous students? Katie was in one of my 4th grade classes. She was such a sweet girl and has carried that trait into adulthood. I don’t exactly recall how old she was when her sweet daddy died but I remember receiving a phone call that she wanted to see me. I went to her house and prayed for her in that sad and tragic time. By God’s grace I was allowed to be a part of her life and receive the blessing of seeing her on Saturday. I’m ever so grateful. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. ~ Romans 12:15
{I’ll be talking more about shopping local tomorrow}!
As we were leaving the Community Market, my hubby spied some bees buzzing around the flowers and plants. We stopped to admire their busy handiwork and marveled at the key role they play in pollination of the plant world. Immediately words of Scripture flowed through my mind, “a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted” ~ Ecclesiastes 3:2 + Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26. I am grateful knowing the Lord is providing food for me through these tiny creatures.
We watched a movie this weekend called The Intern. If you haven’t seen it you should! It spoke to my heart about the how valuable seniors are in this world. Robert De Niro played a man named Sam and throughout the movie he reminded me so much of my dad it was uncanny. From the way he studied people, combed his hair, the glasses, the tucked shirt and of course the handkerchief, I saw my dad. I am grateful for the message of the movie and seeing an actor play someone so close to my own dad in so many ways. That was grace to me. Enjoy the trailer!
Grace + Gratitude = remembering & celebrating the small things that breed joy + contentment. How have grace + gratitude been intersecting your life? Let me hear from you even if it’s only one way. Enjoy the day!
Linking up with my friend, Simply Shaunacey for Monday Moments of Gratitude.
