October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month and as most of you know we have been blessed with our very own Spina Bifida Warrior Princess Hannah. You can read our story about finding out about Hannah’s diagnosis in The Butterfly which was actually my first ever blog. We of course love everything about Hannah and wouldn’t change anything about her and we are and will be forever be grateful for having her in our lives and are thankful that she continues to defy her original diagnosis.
Gratefulness is a word that has been popping into my head a lot of late. So many of us always look at our lives as a glass half empty rather than half full and never look at the bigger picture. We are never happy with what we have and crave for something else be it loosing weight, a car like so and so down the street, marriage, friendship, promotion the list can go on and on.
I once found myself moaning and complaining about the kids acting up and misbehaving in front of a couple who have had major difficulties in getting pregnant and weren’t able to have kids and I when I caught myself on I just wanted the ground to open up and swallow me I was so embarrassed and ashamed of myself. From then on I have always tried to think before I speak and be thankful for the things that I have.
A few years back I decided that I was going to try and go back to work, which I did for 15 months before I wised up and resigned. In those 15 months I discovered exactly what was right under my nose and I couldn’t see it. I had a husband, three amazing children and a home that needed my attention. I had been selfish and had put my own needs before that of my family.
My mum has a saying “separate your needs from your greeds” I don’t often like to admit when my mum is right but when you think of it it is true. We always want something else what we have is never enough.
At the weekend I set a challenge on my Facebook page for people to list something in their lives that they are grateful for and not one person commented. Why aren’t we happy with what we have?
I am thankful for the life that I have it is not perfect but I am thankful for it anyway.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 16
What are you thankful for today?
Black Thoughts 
I am thankful for my second husband of almost 28 years (Saturday). I am thankful I had the opportunity to live in Cambridge England for three years. I am thankful for a house to live in.
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Happy anniversary for Saturday x
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Thx!
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I am thankful for my life. Despite all the unworthy things I have done to God that give Him all authority to take me away from earth;s face, He still considers me His Own. I am also thankful that I have read your blog and learnt something about appreciation.
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Thank you x
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I am thankful for my life. Despite all the unworthy things I have done to God that give Him all authority to take me away from earth’s face, He still considers me His Own. I am also thankful that I have read your blog and learnt something about appreciation.
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I am thankful to have Jesus as my Lord and Savior and that He is part of my life. I’m thankful that we live in a free country where I am free to worship Him.
I am so grateful that God has brought my amazing husband of 11 years into my life. I’m also grateful that God provided a job I enjoy.
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I am thankful for my new Lifegroup (Bible Study group) that just started. It has several people around my age in my community attending so it’s been fun to get to make some new friends!
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I am so thankful for all that I have…a wonderful family…children, grandchildren and a great grandson. God is good!
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You are so right! At 70 I have arthritis and it is difficult for me to walk a long ways – but I always remind myself that I can walk. Many do not have that ability. Thanks for reminding us to be grateful! A friend of mine posted on FB “What would you have if when you woke up all you had was what you thanked God for yesterday.”
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It’s easy enough – given advertising being everywhere – to fall into that trap. We’ve got a roof over our heads. We have food, family, friends, pets, clothes, and some healthcare. We’re not living under a bridge, or on top of a roof watching the contents of our home be swept away by floods. It’s finally cooled down to a tolerable temperature. There’s a tremendous amount to be thankful for, a tremendous amount to strive for (greater stability and better healthcare) and the rest is just kind of – day dreams. I’m ok with that.
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That is a very good motto indeed. I did a similar thing. I closed my business to focus on my family. Doing childcare and being with my kids and managing the household. I’m grateful to be able to do this, and love it, but often feel bad that I’m not a breadwinner, my husband bears that responsibility. So even though I’m happy and grateful, it’s easy to focus on the negative and worry, or feel guilty to take time for myself ( to write a book for example 😬). I guess that’s what it means to want to have it all doesn’t it?
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Great post! Amen, we all have so much to be thankful for ❤️
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Yes, having the proper perspective is something I struggle with. I like your mom’s saying 😊
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I am thankful to be alive. Someone didn’t wake up to see a new day. I’m thankful for my family, friends and loved ones. Good to eat, a place to rest. Things are always easy but God is Good. He is always with us. Yes, we must learn to rejoice. God is on our side. We are Victorious 🙌🏿😊
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I’m grateful that I have work – I’m still asking God that my huisband will find work, but I’m aware that this may not happen. So I’m reminded to thank God that I have a job, that , although it doesn’t give us money for “extras”, at least gives us enough that we’re able to afford the necessities.
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“Separate your needs from your greeds” ! That’s my new favorite slogan!
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I am thankful that I found a life of addiction recovery.
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I love this post! I am thankful for my health, my family and friends.😊
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Borrowing from one of my prayer partners, but I am thankful God has never allowed me to become complacent in my walk with Him. Always enough trial to keep me aware of my need of Him!
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I love this post too and can’t imagine having asked that question on Facebook and having no response. I can’t let this opportunity pass without sharing that I am thankful and praise God for friends and family who support me in some pretty amazing ways as I take care of my Momma on her journey with Alzheimer’s. I’ve written several blog posts on this subject, but here’s my latest thoughts on the matter. https://barefootlilylady.com/2018/09/25/tuesdays-caregiving-tip-accept-help/
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I am thankful for everything that I have. The bridge between the past and future is the beautiful bridge called -The present. We often forget to enjoy the walk over the bridge…isn’t it?
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I am thankful for everything that I have. The link between the past and future is the strong bridge called -The present. We often forget to enjoy the walk over the bridge…isn’t it? Now when I look back, I am grateful for all the moments that I have lived like it was my last.
My recent post on this : https://consciouserudition.wordpress.com/2018/10/12/rumination/
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I am thankful for God’s love and mercy or which I am always in abundant need of. I am thankful that God has kept me here, even when I begged, and screamed for Him to take me. I am thankful that my family is happy. Beautiful post, and great question. 🙂
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Recently in times when I struggle I’ve been grounding myself when things to be thankful for. Why I need to be content in the moment, even with anxiety. God has helped me be thankful with everything that is around me.
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That’s a great attitude to adopt.
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I’m thankful to have a relationship with Jehovah God and for the many blessings he provides everyday. One of my favorite scriptures is Matthew 6:33,34 which says, “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. 34 So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.” As long as I keep spiritual things first in my life I’ll always have what I need. That brings me a lot of comfort.
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I am pleased to hear that.
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I am thankful for many things, especially my children and grandchildren. But I am also very thankful for the many wonderful friends I have made in the blogging world. It’s great to have so many friends, all over the world, that love Jesus with their whole heart! Some day, we will all meet and it will be so thrilling!!
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Good post! I am thankful that God has kept me in his path after all my struggles.
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