belated thanksgiving.

Im not always as thankful as i should be. No, let me rephrase that. im RARELY as thankful as i should be. I like to think of myself as a realist, but truthfully, thats really just another way of saying pessimist. i have a hard time seeing how blessed i am, and see mostly the ways im failing, struggling, or lacking. We just recently had a day we call "Thanksgiving." Shockingly enough, the entire purpose of the day is not a contest to see who can comsume the most calories in one meal. Its actually a day to be thankful for our many rich blessings. An emphasis that seemed to slip by me this year. And now with Christmas fast approaching, im finding it harder than ever to be thankful. Mostly ive just been complaining that we cant afford more Christmas presents. So now as I sit here at work, feeling a cold coming on, and feeling thankful only when the babies are both fast asleep at the same time, i figured it might be a good time to do some reflecting. And maybe start being thankful. I dont think the holiday police will be upset if i do that a week late.

Top ten big ways God has blessed us: (in no particular order)
1. Colorado, the state. Since we've moved out here, I have fallen in love. With mountains, with constant sunshine, with snow that melts two days later because every week contains at least one day of 60 degrees or higher.. When i pull out of our parking lot every morning to be greeted by the sun peaking over the snow-capped rockies, thats God's gift to me. Especially when i think about what kind of weather WI is probably having right now. Fun fact: CO has aproximately 300 days of sun each year. Take that, midwest.
2. My job. Yes, it gets stressful some days with two babies at the same time (especially when teeth are starting to make an appearance), but i am blessed to have been hired for this position. My bosses are great to work with, and I feel appreciated. Thats kind of a big deal.
3. Our apartment. Sometimes i feel tempted to complain that we live in a one bedroom apartment, and that we dont own a house yet, but we are so blessed with our place. Its clean, it warm, it has counter space, it doesnt have cockroaches, mice, or bedbugs, we have a parking lot... really, if i compare it to our Chicago apartment this list could be quite extensive.
4. friends. We have met and deeply connected with some really wonderful people.
5. church. We have found a church to really call home. We are getting involved, serving, and meeting wonderful people.
6. Eachother. God has blessed our marriage. Sure, we argue, sure we dont like eachother sometimes, but we are blessed to have eachother and the closeness, trust, and understanding that come with it.
7. our health.
8. seminary. a place where Evan can learn and grow and be equipped. Even if this stage means less time with him.
9. two working cars. and a grocery store that offers discounts on gas.
10. Evans job. Even though it comes with added stress, without the added income we couldnt afford rent, gas, insurance, groceries, electricity, and other things required in life. We're thankful for that financial provision.

and as i go through my day, there are other ways that im reminded of ways we're blessed. Sometimes it takes a little perspective, sometimes it take a gentle (or not so gentle) nudging from the Holy Spirit.

Moral of the story is: Stop complaing, Grace.