Choosing Gratitude (Part 2)

To continue my previous post, I still have many more things to share for which I am grateful! By now the snow is melting rapidly and occasionally huge chunks of snow clatter off the roof. Of course, it is only mid-March, so we’ll likely have more snowstorms coming yet. But the fight between winter and spring has begun!

Some recent blessings as written in my journal include…

–Done with SFJ story

Shining For Jesus (http://www.shiningforjesus.com/) is the children’s magazine for which I write monthly stories. I write the Northern Lights Storytime column.

–SFJ drawing turned out fairly well

 I’m learning to do full-color illustrations and I hope they’re improving…

–That the plate I was drying didn’t hit my face

Because it slipped and nearly whacked me on the nose. Similar thankfulnesses in the past month include “that no apples were rotten in their bags”, “though I broke a jar, there was no tea in it”, “that the clothes hanger did not hit my eye”, etc.

–Skating on the river

I finally skated for the first time this winter. Don’t ask why I waited so long.

–The chance I had to play hockey for my first time

Yes, in my entire lifetime. And I say I’m Canadian?

–Daylight savings

Longer evenings are delightful!

–The book Tech Talk

This is already a highly recommended book of mine even if I’m not finished reading it yet. Gary Miller has done an excellent job of addressing a relevant issue. Directed to young people, it evaluates what technology is, how it affects us, and how we should navigate through this digital age as followers of Jesus. The real-life stories and practical advice in this book give me the perspective and motivation I need to set higher standards regarding technology, especially my phone usage. Another similar book by Gary Miller on this topic is Surviving the Tech Tsunami. Needing a fresh read? Check out one of these. They’re both available at Evergreen Store! (Also at Christian Light for those who do not live locally.)

-Choral music

Or just songs and music in general. Music is a beautiful gift from God. Whether I sing alone, in a choir, or listen to others, something tells me I was created to worship God. Music offers the best expression of the heart. I am so grateful for godly songwriters who have composed thousands of meaningful songs. Many times God has used music to minister to me in a moment when I desperately needed it. I have countless favorite songs, so today I won’t begin mentioning titles.

-No more mandatory masks

That, plus nearly all other provincial restrictions have been lifted! How we praise the Lord!

Last week or earlier, I thanked God for some things like…

-I’m hired to work at the greenhouse

I can hardly wait to get my fingernails dirty again! Warm, aromatic soil, sloshy mud and soaked skirts, sunburnt skin, teeny seedlings, scratched hands, granola bars, and then finally the gorgeous rewards of “wowers” (as a little girl described the flowers last year)…Greenhouse season shall soon begin! Gardening is an opportunity to tend and nourish, a part of taking dominion over the earth as God commanded. Plants are critically dependent on so much of their environment. Yet we depend on them! Where plants thrive, I do too! =)

-The testimonies of fellow youth

Hearing testimonies of someone else’s life is one of the most encouraging experiences one can have. Sharing your own testimony is even more strengthening! Testimonies remind me of God’s faithfulness as seen in other’s lives. They remind me that I am not alone in my battles and that my prayers for others can make a huge difference. Closely linked with this one is…

-The example of godly heroes

One can read many inspiring stories about real, imperfect people whom God used mightily. What were their secrets to such an abundant life? How did they develop their faith? Can God perhaps use even me? These heroes were not always known in every Christian circle. Their goal was not to become a hero. Their goal was Jesus Christ and they just followed Him one step at a time.

-My dear cousin _______…shopping with______…a special talk/discussion with______…the latte_______served…my phone call with________…mail from______

In other words, I’m thankful for my friends around the world. My photo collage on the bedroom wall keeps growing. When I hang up wedding pictures and baby announcements, I have to come to grips with reality. Am I really that old?! Maybe my friendship circles have simply broadened since a few years ago.

Lately, I’ve had many good discussions with various dear friends and I’m incredibly blessed. Connecting at heart level is very important to me. “I only have best friends,” one of them explained the other day. That describes my situation too. Everyone is a best friend to me in different ways. God knew exactly who I all needed at this point of my life and I do not deserve the care and support I feel from those around me. I appreciate you all very much!

-I can eat cucumbers

This was a victory for me! Why? Here’s a hint…

­-No need for baby food grinder anymore

What a day of celebration! If you still don’t know, you’ve probably had minimal dental work. =)

–My braces are on!  

After working towards it for eleven months, I finally started this…well, they call it a journey. The next milestone is to have the braces removed in about two years. Many thankfulnesses were related to this as I tried to remain positively focused in the midst of mouth sores, dry lips, pulpy rice and chicken, and remastering the skill of smiling and talking. It really has gone very well!

-The quiet, crisp darkness of winter nights

After some thrilling sled rides down the hill a few days ago, I asked my sister why the sky was always so much fun to describe. I found an answer to my question before Sister had a chance to respond. Everything about the sky is poetic! For example, we had been literally ‘kissing the evening good-bye’ and with that, I discovered a new metaphor. Aren’t stars like kisses? I’ll have to ponder that before I attempt another poem about the skies or nighttime.

I took advantage of one of those nights the other day to lie on the snow and watch the stars appear. One by one, twinkling calmly, soothing my soul. My thoughts had been spinning in circles and swirls, but as the serenity of the evening enveloped me, I could not spoil the moment by worrying. I experienced a precious revival there alone with God. He used His creation to quiet me so I would listen to Him. When He spoke, I broke. And then we knew another victory had been won. All because of His love. The winking, sleepy stars bore witness of my commitments.

Yes, God is a good God. How is He good to you? Do you record the moments? Do you share them? Do you thank Him for His goodness? Even though I keep a grateful journal, I must admit I haven’t filled out my slots every day because I am forgetful. One day, I wrote I was grateful for a sister who reminded me about my grateful journal. I had let nearly a week slip by without recording anything! But I’ve always found enough thankfulnesses to make up for the days I missed.

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD. 

Psalm 107:8‭-‬9‭, 43 (KJV)

With that, I will conclude this catalogue of thankfulnesses. I hope this might have inspired you to give thanks always, live on the sunny side, focus on the positives, notice the little things in life, and all those other important things that come packaged in trite terms. Let’s choose gratitude!

P.S. And please excuse my verbose maunderings. The end.

Photo Credits: Tying Skates by Edward Penner