I woke up too early this morning. I was (more than) a bit grumpy since I really didn’t want to be alert at that hour, but almost immediately some special people came to my mind, and I decided to take advantage of the peaceful quiet to pray for them.
The minutes began to add up as more and more people filled my groggy thoughts, and my grumpiness began to convert into gratitude. I have many wonderful people in my life. They are kind and brave and fun and generous. I began to make a list; I am proud of so many of them…
My mom – Although I know she was afraid of the cancer diagnosis and almost ready to die because of the pain, she chose bravely to undergo the surgery and the chemo treatments. She is making the most of her good days with friends and family, often doing favors for others. It isn’t always easy, but she is strong and an encouragement to me.
My husband – He has traveled to take care of his dad this week; I know it is hard for him there. It is discouraging to experience his dad depressed and weak and sad, a shadow of the man he used to be… Despite the challenges, my husband is sacrificially serving his dad – cleaning, cooking and being a companion. I miss him when he’s gone, but I am glad he is there with his dad.
My family – In my family and my husband’s family, there are others who do the major share of the care for our elderly parents. While we may fill in from time to time, they are present or on call almost every day. I am impressed by their willing hearts and their attention to innumerable details. I know it is frustrating and exhausting at times. They are my heroes.
My children – I am really proud of my children. They are each one very unique and gifted in so many ways. They are also imperfect and have all kinds of normal challenges and problems, but I love the adults they are becoming. I especially like that they love me too.
My friends – Both those from the past and my new friends from this year have added much joy to my life. I am inspired by their faith and their desire to grow and their determination to keep moving forward. Some of them have had to overcome some very difficult trials and hurts, but I see them committed to healing and wholeness and finding the strength to help others. I have received abundantly from their generous lives, and I am grateful for each one of them.
I never did get back to sleep… my list continued on and on, and I eventually realized it was a very blessed life I was waking up to meet. Not a bad way to start the day.
Who is on your grateful list? Who makes you proud?
maturitas cafe 
Terry, on my 60th birthday I made a list of 60 people who had touched my life and for whom I was grateful! And the list keeps growing. You have been added to it since that time (now 11 years later!). Enjoyed VERY MUCH reading this post!
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Jan! What a great idea – the birthday list… 🙂 I am very grateful for you too!
LikeLike
LOVED this post, Terry! The prayers are what keep us all going, huh? Praying for YOU…and YOUR details with the move, and the travel, and the summer, and the return to Florida. LOVE YOU!
LikeLike
Thanks, sweet sis! Yes, the prayers keep us going! Thanks for yours! God willing, we’ll see you soon!
LikeLike
Hola Terry, mi agradecimiento diario es para mi Señor, que me sorprende en formas maravillosas, El pone los tiempos y los lugares, El acomoda mi vida, me permite abrazar y besar a mis seres queridos sin importar las distancias, El trae paz a mi corazón, El me toma en sus brazos cada noche y me sostiene hasta el amanecer, El me da la fuerza cuando ya no tengo ninguna, me hace dormir por horas, es como si me desconectaran y luego me despierta y sopla en mi de Su aliento……recobrando mis fuerzas…….y adelante! Gracias Dios.
LikeLike
Definitivamente, Dios y todo lo que hace para nosotros deben de estar primero en nuestra lista! Gracias por animarnos, Magda, con tu comentario!
LikeLike
Once you learn to be thankful as a daily routine, everything changes, everything!!
LikeLike
Very true!
LikeLike
It’s amazing how God uses what we think is little and insignificant (sleepless nights?) to build in us and others. Thanks for the reminder of gratitude. For the hope and wonderful ripple effect of caring well for others. I need that daily!
LikeLike
Me too, Dayle… me too!
LikeLike
I am grateful for you, Terry. God chose to give me the joy of getting a little peak into your heart and soul this year, blessing me with what I found. Love you!
LikeLike
Thanks, Alice! I truly enjoyed our “year” together also. I am grateful for you, and I look forward to how God will build our new friendship over the years to come.
LikeLike