Gratitude

I have been challenged to acknowledge the reality of the various situations that compose my life, and to be thankful for them. Even the ones that seem small, even the ones that are difficult, even--especially--those that are less than perfect.

I am working on this as a discipline and this week I am thankful for many things. This will be the first of my Thankful Thursdays. I am collecting the list throughout the week, but will post some of it on Thursdays alone.

This week I am thankful for

-The staff I supervise, and how working with them challenges me, strengthens me, teaches me about them and about me. I love that they laugh a lot, and help me to learn to laugh at myself. Tomorrow we are getting together, and I am really looking forward to it!



-My Christmas tree decorated with ornaments designed by many people over the years who have sat in my various living rooms and colored on a plastic ball.

-My Christmas tree angel and my black fleece cape, both gifts from my sister that are perfect for me. They remind me that in spite of myself, I am known by at least one person. Thanks, Libby.

-My hairless dog Lincoln who spent the early evening puking all over the house. He brings me great joy, and caring for him is a gift.

-My mismatched furniture that was all someone else's first. I have been blessed by generous family & friends and each piece fits together to make my home.

-My success in actually reading an issue of Sojourners when it arrived yesterday.

-My messy kitchen that tonight afforded an opportunity to spend a great time with a good friend.

-I am thankful too for my story of y2k that I shared with Melissa tonight--it keeps me humble and is a great example of how I am loved even though I am not perfect.