Gosh, when we stop to count our blessings, they really pop out, don’t they? We seem to focus on the negative. I think because the negative things in life poke at us – which forces them to the forefront. This makes us a grumpy, annoyed kind of lot. The positives just surround us quietly, bringing stability and beauty, and because they don’t aggravate us, we hardly notice them. Which is unfortunate, because looking for and paying attention to the good things would certainly make us all more pleasant.
I, personally, tend to focus on the poking, because I’m wired to want to anticipate problems and stay ahead of them. However, this can bite me in the behind half the time, because then I just worry about stuff that hasn’t happened yet, and might not even. This is good for no one. New Year’s Resolution.
This week, however, I’m counting the blessings of stability and beauty and delight in my life, as many of us are. The first thing I’m grateful for is that…
1. We have a day set aside for highlighting the wonderful things in life, because, with all the poking, I just might be grumpy every day.
2. I’ve had good blood test results (for inflammation markers) all year. Four years ago, my blood work revealed that I probably had RA. (My inflammation journey starts HERE.) However, after some diet changes, my blood work was normal. Every year, I wonder what lab results will show, but so far…I’m still good.
3. I’ve discovered an interest in saying the Rosary. This is shocking to me. I was raised Catholic with all the rote prayers, and one would think the Rosary would be a familiar, beloved item for me. Not. However…our daughter spent 3 years in religious formation with a delightful gaggle of Salesian sisters who got me looking at Mary in a different way. (More on that in another post.) In May, I picked up a Rosary from the Salesians and thought, what can it hurt to pray to the mother of Jesus? We’re both moms.
Well, I have to say…miraculous things began to occur. So I’m sticking with Mary. Not that Jesus is demoted. He’s still cool.
4. I got called for Jury Duty, but didn’t have to show up. Yay! I’ve served before, and I’ll not evade that civic duty, but it’s just nice when the lawyers can sort out their differences without my help.
5. We had new counter tops installed in our master bath.
We didn’t really need them, but we tried to change out the faulty sink ourselves and cracked the counter top. I’m so grateful there are sink and counter top guys out there who know what they’re doing, unlike us normal people.
6. Our daughter’s seriously injured arm (a ligament tear from a fall) healed with only a 3% “disability.” She had months of PT and some cortisone injections, and it took almost a year…but she’s 97% back to normal. With some funds from workman’s comp, she’s able to go to Haiti this spring on a medical mission trip, where 97%-working-arms are sorely (pun intended) needed.
7. The hubs is enjoying life much more since, after 23 years, he stepped down from management at Home Depot. He now hangs around in the flooring department, while eyeballing retirement in 2 1/2 years. His ultimate goal is to then be promoted to simply “customer.” He’s been pitching in around the house, and I’m reminded of why I love him. Here’s a pic of him and his favorite visitor at the store.
8. In May, we were gifted with a 2nd grandson. He couldn’t be more precious. His older brother adores him. I could stop right here, my heart is full.
9. We had a wonderful visit with my MIL, this summer. She has various health issues and might not be travelling much more, so we made the most of her trip to see us in sunny FL. We painted ceramics, and visited the Kennedy Space Center, and watched Blue Bloods (we’re both Selleck fans), and laughed a lot. I’m blessed with a great MIL.
10. I’m so grateful for DAVE, the PLUMBER. He’s been to our house twice this year for leaks and cracks and icky issues. If you need a plumber in east central FL, he’s the best. His website says, “The best place in town to take a leak.” I kid you not.
11. I’m beyond grateful for VITAS health care services. They have supplemented many care services for my folks this year: weekly visits from a nurse, showers, hygiene supplies, and monthly visits from a social worker and a pastor. It eases my mind to have extra trained eyes on the folks.
12. Mom is in her 100th year. She’s a fragile as a twig, but no one questions that she’s the matriarch of the family. We do what we’re told, yes ma’am. She lost her reading glasses last month, and I was dreading taking her to the eye doc again, because she can’t get positioned correctly for any of the equipment in the office, and it’s traumatic to move her. Mother Mary prompted me to call the eye doc and get her reading Rx over the phone. I then went to CVS and got Mom a pair of spiffy reading glasses off the rack. To my astonishment, Mom loved them. And I didn’t have to disrupt her day with an outing. Thanks, Mary.
13. Three nephews and their families came to visit the folks in August. We got to meet that sweet little doll in red in the middle there, and get a lot of goofy pictures. That little one and Mom are 98 years apart.
14. We evacuated for the September hurricane to a cool airbnb farm house and had an enchanting long weekend with the grandsons and their parents. We saw live deer and goats and chickens and a huge turkey who ruled the roost. Hurricanes aren’t so bad, if you get to snuggle with grand children and meet baby goats.
15. I had a perfect colonoscopy this past summer. There’s a history of colon cancer on my mom’s side, and I had a polyp once, so a clean colon is one of my blessings. That might be too much information.
16. Kohl’s 30% off coupons. I don’t go to the store unless I have one. When I get that coupon in the mail, I’m off to Kohl’s, whether I need anything or not. I stock up on dish towels, socks, and underwear. Again, maybe too much info.
17. Our youngest son got a new job with lots of opportunity for growth and success. His buddy, Thomas, facilitated that change. Thomas was a best men at our son’s wedding, so these guys are close.
I’m grateful for good friendships that bring out the best in us and also drag us along when we’re stumbling. Thomas is a good friend, just like Thomas the Tank Engine. Thanks, Thomas!
18. I’m finally over not dying my hair. It’s taken me a while, but I’m embracing the gray. I stopped putting chemicals on my head 5 years ago. Some friends of mine thought I was crazy, which to be honest, was a bit disappointing. We women have been duped into thinking gray hair is just unacceptable. Not true. I’m glad I’m free. (Here’s my “giving up the bottle” journey, if you’re interested.) And a recent pic of my “wisdom highlights.”
19. Always on my list – my siblings, Terri and Phil (left and center.) We all lost a brother in 1976, and we remember well our shattered parents at the time. These two live in MD, but they visit when they can and bring the folks a refreshing break from their aging, often discouraged hearts. I am so blessed by these two.
20. Also, always on my list – I’m so grateful that God got a hold of me. He is my rock and my comfort. He has proved Himself to me again and again. I don’t know why I still have days of doubt. It’s just silly. I’m so glad He pursues us always. If He had not caught me years ago, I would not be the charming, delightful woman I am today. 🙂
I pray you have a wonderful, gratitude-filled Thanksgiving. May we all carry that mindset into the New Year.
