I sat outside picking weeds this morning with baby Ralphie next to me in his bouncy seat. Dynamite was immersed in blowing bubbles, Cindy-Lou Who was playing in the backyard and Super-boy sat inside listening to an old Smoky Robinson record (yes, record!).
My 94-year old neighbor hobbled over on the other side of the fence to see how we all were doing. "Hanging in there," I said, "Still adjusting...feels good to be outside, how are you?"
"I'm really down in the dumps today and I can't figure out why".
"I hate those days," I replied, "It feels like a cloud settled around you and you can't get out from under it".
"Ahhh", she half-smiled, "You're learning about that young".
Yes, I know those clouds more than I like to admit. Sometimes it is so hard to get out of that "funk" as I call it. I picked up my Bible the other morning and was reading Psalm 103, "Praise the Lord...who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion". That pit is a dark place. There are days I feel emotionally that I've got dirt caked under my fingernails from clawing my way out of that pit.
That being said, I am reading a wonderfully transforming book called, "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. It is about, quite simply, giving thanks. Yes, pure gratitude. Why is it so hard for us to see the many blessings that are poured upon us daily? And so, I am diving in to count my way up to one thousand gifts. I will venture to post things I'm thankful for daily, even if I post nothing else.
Here is a blog of which I want to spend WAY more time by the author of this book: http://www.aholyexperience.com/category/1000gifts/
You will be blessed by it! And if you have the time or the desire, get this book!
And so begins my count to one thousand:
1. 3 1/2 week old sweet baby boy asleep in his swing.
2. A quiet house with only piano music playing softly.
3. Pulling weeds and getting my hands dirty.
4. Dear friends who bring me yellow daisies.
5. A husband who works so hard to meet the needs of so many little people (and me!).
6. Sunlight cast on the street.
7. Rubberband arms.
8. Sweet smell of candle burning.
Oh, Kendra! Beautiful! I need to start my list of one thousand. You would be on that list for sure.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. Raising children, being home alone with them all day can be isolating. No one gives you a bonus, or tells you how valuable you are. You wear clothes that can be spit up on, rush through a shower, and meet the demands of three children all day and night. This intensity of service can try your heart. I'm glad you can identify your feelings. It's okay to feel blue, in fact your hormones are aiding and abetting that process for your general amusement! Hold on, do your thing as the wonderful mom that you are, and day by day it will get better. The fact that you are able to reach out and identify blessings in your life is a sign of maturity. Your husband and kids are so lucky to have you.
ReplyDeleteYou starting this fires me up. I read the book several weeks ago and it changed my life. No exageration. Changed it. Loving your list!
ReplyDeleteMom, thank you for your comment. I really appreciate your kind words. Truly, counting blessings and all the wonderful things in my life help me to stay out of that quicksand of a pit.
ReplyDeleteNicole, awesome!! It is a fantastic book--and yes, I think it's life changing too. It is so refreshing to know we are not alone in our struggle to serve God.
Giving thanks with you, friend!
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