Gratituesday

It's funny how I came across Gratituesday as I was sitting here on this cold day in January, complaining that I was cold in a heated house, and sore from sitting on an uncomfortable chair I use for an office chair! At least I HAVE a house! And there are millions of people around the world that don't have an office chair, a desk, or a computer...and would be unbelievable thankful for my ancient, wooden chair.

There are times I can really slip into being ungratefulness, and fast! When I start focusing on me, and my wants, and my perceived needs, I can get pretty selfish. Or is that - childish?
These last few weeks our church has been investing it's time in doing a Daniel Fast. I've never done a fast of any kind before, and I was nervous about starting. But, you mean I can't have chocolate? No oleo, or jam? That's really interfering with my life!! However, I can honestly say that I am truly thankful for this opportunity. It has really allowed me to spend more time with the Lord in prayer and worship, and to take the things of the world and sort of push them to the background for awhile. I'm thankful for the things He's teaching through this time. It sure has made me realize how much I depend on food for being entertained, for using up time, for feeling happier. All the wrong reasons for eating!!

I find, too, that gratitude grows when you're practicing it. You seem to suddenly find more and more things to be grateful for, as you begin thanking the Lord for something He's done for you.
If I start thanking Him for my home, I think of how grateful I am that he led us to find it so many years ago, that there was a special loan program that we qualified for, that we've been allowed to maintain it all these years, and plant flowers to make it look brighter...and so on, and so on. So I guess the key to gratefulness might be...just get started!

I've enjoyed sharing my current thoughts about gratefulness. Before I move on to others things, here's a couple of pictures of another reason for being grateful. I have a wonderful hubby.


He bought these for me this week, just because! Wasn't that sweet? They're beautiful.

If you'd like to participate in Gratituesday, stop by HeavenlyHomemakers and share!