Trudging Onward in Gratitude



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It's been a rough few weeks for me, but today I return to this wee corner o' the blogosphere to trudge onward in gratitude. Lately it seems like an uphill battle, but that's mostly because of the clouds of pain that have become a part of my days again since my Jacuzzi broke last month and I can't "poach" in it each night before bed. The repair dude didn't call back all last week; Keith finally talked to him today, but he won't have the parts until the end of the week at the earliest. I didn't sleep until five this morning and I am certainly feeling it now....

But I am forcing myself to choose gratitude right now. It's the right way, the best way. It's God's way. How many times does He tell us to "give thanks" in His Word? Many, many, MANY times.

So this day I try to forget the pain, try to smile and be cheerful and thankful. If you wouldn't mind, I'd love for you to pray for me, for us. Right now the hill seems too steep for me to climb...but that's what we're all here for: to pray for one another, to give each other "boosts" up the hill, and to take the Hand of the One Who First Loved Us and allow Him to lead us up the pathway, getting much farther than we could ever achieve on our own.

And He spreads a beautiful view before us, small and big encouragements along the way, like wildflowers sprinkled on either side of the steep mountain path. The beauty is golden, tinged by His loving grace.

So how can I not be thankful?

So here I go, taking faltering steps, holding onto the Hand that leads and your hands, too, as you encourage me to keep climbing, no matter what. 'Cause that's what we do for each other, in His Love.

So once again I hook up with The Gratitude Community at A Holy Experience, on a journey to One Thousand Gifts. And look! I'm nearly halfway! And the view is already gorgeous....


So this day I thank God for:

461. Having my beautiful girl home with us for three weeks, her first extended time home under our roof since mid-August...

462. For gracious friends and family who gave so generously to us during this Christmas season, and for God's Hand in all of it...

463. For the start of another Brave Writer class to teach, this time The Groovy Grammar Workshop (Today is the first day, so you may still join! I have a couple of spaces left!! It's gonna be sooooo much fun!!!!)...

464. For abundant rains throughout December and for a sunshiny day today...

465. For the 11th Day of Christmas today...

466. For excellent progress today on the Book of Common Prayer I am helping to edit...

467. For sweet boys who love to cuddle with me...

468. For my dear one whose kisses make me forget the pain...

469. For the gift of a new Kindle that is light and easy in my arthritic-curled fingers...

470. For the gift of this blog and all of you who read and pray and comment and encourage...

Thanks indeed be to God who daily (yes, DAILY!) loads us with blessings!

Trudging onward in gratitude,