Last night I couldn’t sleep.
Tears were falling and I didn’t know exactly why nor could I stop them.
Concerns were weighing heavy on my heart and mind.
The only thing that stopped the tears and welcomed sleep was to take out my blessings journal and begin writing.
I haven’t written in that journal in over a month. That can probably explain a lot about the way I’ve been feeling lately.
I was feeling “silly” for counting things such as a hot cup of tea and trips to Starbucks as a blessing.
But when we begin to see the small things in our lives as silliness instead of blessings, expecting every blessing to be monumental and “deserving” of the title of blessing, we’re asking for trouble.
I need to get back to a place of seeing the small everyday gifts as a blessing that I can take time to number and count and praise my Father for!
So, here I am back with my list again. I’m doing this because I NEED it. Keeping a list of blessings…the big and small…lifts my broken spirit and restores my soul so that I can truly rest.
Here are the blessings I’m counting today…
669. chicken fajita pasta
670. Jenny’s handwriting
671. an offer of shelter
672. protection from the storm
673. December Daily kit in the mail
674. sitting around the fire pit with friends
675. laughing at YouTube videos
676. visiting Weston Red Barn farm
677. apple cider doughnuts
678. beautiful mums
679. picking out the perfect pumpkin
680. carving pumpkins
681. friend spending their day with us
682. neighbors leaving gelato on my door step with a not
683. warm socks
684. shopping with Ashley
685. delicious veggie burger
686. shopping for asparagus at Sprouts
687. rainbow in the sky
688. watching football with Will
689. Stitch Fix box
690. new books…stories and adventures waiting
691. kids playing outside
692. forgiveness
693. redeeming a morning gone all wrong
694. Will working so hard to meet a math goal
695. acceptance letter
696. visiting a Japanese Hibachi restaurant
697. laughing together
698. time to rest
699. packages to open
700. Will throwing around and kicking a football with friends
701. cool evening
702. hot cup of tea
703. phone conversations with Keith
704. a clear head
705. library time
706. “backwards” Monday
707. a homeschool community for the kids
708. peppermint mocha with extra espresso
709. Sonic Happy Hour on our way home
710. sitting with Will before he goes to bed
711. hard conversations with my girls
712. God’s abundant steadfast love
713. quiet rest
714. Jenny’s snaggle-toothed smile
715. Will’s concern
What are you thankful for right now?
Barbie says
Love this! And it really helps put things in perspective when we look at our blessings. So far I’m just recording them on my blog each Monday, I really should write them in a journal. Have a blessed weekend.
Monica Andrews says
Recording them on your blog each Monday is great!!! There used to be a link-up on Mondays at Ann Voskamp’s blog that I participated in. I don’t know if she still hosts it or not. I think it’s important to write them down in some way (blog, journal, etc) to look back on.
Jennifer Scruggs says
I am thankful for your steadfast honest encouragement on this blog! I don’t comment as much as I should, but I read every single post and I have been praying for you through this deployment. I wanted to let you know of my prayers, as the holiday season approaches. I know this season will be filled with joys and challenges. I wanted to remind you that you and your sweet family are loved and prayed for. 🙂 Love your guts!
Monica Andrews says
Thank you so much, friend!!! I know I can always count on your prayers. You have been an enormous encouragement to me through the years! Love your guts!!! 🙂