Image from The Legacy BuilderLast week, I was all set to tell you about the funny little things I’d thought about over the past week, small blessings that I was truly thankful for. But then I watched the Compassion Bloggers chat from El Salvador and was torn all to pieces.
I didn’t think I had the right to be thankful for the little things. I didn’t think it was okay to focus on the trivial parts of my abundantly rich life. I didn’t think it would be nice to talk about how blessed I am when so many are suffering.
And so I told you about how I pray with Annalyn every night, and we thank God for a place to live and food to eat (and Elmo to play with). And that was true. We do that. I keep it simple, so she can understand and start developing a true sense of gratitude.
But that’s not the end of the story.
See, we’re going through the book of Genesis at church. I’m not even sure what prompted my thoughts on Sunday – perhaps a reminder that God made every living thing on this planet – but I found myself feeling so convicted.
I realized, as I thought about the mountains and the trees and the rocks and the flowers and the birds and the dinosaurs (Just kidding. We did not talk about dinosaurs.) and the animals that God does amazing things. He always has, and He always will.
And He does them for us. So we can see Him and know Him and get a glimpse of His majesty.
Somehow, that thought brought another idea to mind: Maybe it’s okay to talk about how much I appreciate the little things. In fact, maybe it would be wrong not to be grateful for the little things. So, without further ado or deep thought, here are a few things I’m thankful for today:
- Good friends who make me laugh so hard my sides hurt.
- Finding Cinnamon Trident at the Target register a couple weeks ago. Red Trident has been missing for so long . . . and I have been missing it. So I bought two packs (one for me, one for my dad, who’s also been missing the red gum).
- Coupons to my favorite department store. Even better? Two coupons – one for $25 off and one for 25% off – that I can use together.
- Getting the opportunity to sing a great song at our Christmas program.
- The chance to write for (in)courage. I love the community and ministry that they’ve built at Dayspring, and being a part of it has really blessed me this fall!
- Meeting The Pioneer Woman at her book signing on Monday.
- A wonderful friend who not only agreed to watch Annalyn at the last minute but also brought her McDonald’s for dinner!
- And speaking of my daughter – Annalyn fell off her chair at Chipotle yesterday and hit the concrete floor. Aside from a bump on her head, though, she’s completely fine – and apparently able to turn a backflip. I’m so thankful for God’s protection (despite us feeding her fast food twice in three days!)!
- The fact that even when you don’t technically follow the recipe and the Rice Krispy treats don’t turn out exactly right . . . they still taste good.
So there you have it. Maybe these things are minor, insignificant, small. But they’re mine. And I’m thankful for them.
What are you thankful for today? Link up your thankful posts below or tell us in the comments!
(P.S. This post will be entered in Scribbit’s Write-Away Contest. You can do it, too. It’s not too late to enter. You have until Sunday!)
Thank you for hosting today. I have to agree with you in that sometimes it feels so trivial to mention the little blessings when so much around us is wrong. I also believe that God delights in our small joys though. Those little blessings often get us through the bad days, don't they?!
XO*Tricia
Thank you for hosting today. I have to agree with you in that sometimes it feels so trivial to mention the little blessings when so much around us is wrong. I also believe that God delights in our small joys though. Those little blessings often get us through the bad days, don't they?!
XO*Tricia
Thank you for hosting today. I have to agree with you in that sometimes it feels so trivial to mention the little blessings when so much around us is wrong. I also believe that God delights in our small joys though. Those little blessings often get us through the bad days, don't they?!
XO*Tricia
Thank you for hosting today. I have to agree with you in that sometimes it feels so trivial to mention the little blessings when so much around us is wrong. I also believe that God delights in our small joys though. Those little blessings often get us through the bad days, don't they?!
XO*Tricia
I hear you loud and clear on the trivial things. But one thing I've learned is that God is in the details. The little tiny schedule corrections, dinners for friends and red lights. Okay, well maybe not in the red lights, but I really think he is that big. He can handle the small stuff. And I'm so glad he does!
And I'm glad AL is ok. Ugh. That is always so scary.
Looking forward to tomorrow!
We are meant to appreciate all things, that's what I think. Sometimes the simple, little things are the easiest to identify and hold on to when the 'big stuff' in our world is going on.
So, thank you, Mary, for focusing on some small joys. They really are so sweet!
aww… i love beeing a little thing! :-) and seriously, i've told about 6 people that monday night was so dang relaxing for me. so thank YOU! :-)
oh, and why do they take thinks away from us only to bring them back a few months later?! they did that with my fav chap stick. arg!