Always be thankful...

Sometimes I complain too much.  Sometimes I forget to always give thanks to my Lord for my many, many blessings.  Sometimes I take blessings and people in my life for granted.  Sometimes I need to have a good, swift kick in my behind. 

Well, not today.  Today, I am thankful for so many things.  So many wonderful blessings.  And, I'm going to profess quite loudly and quite publically right here, and right now how very beautifully blessed that I am and how much I appreciate the life that my Father in heaven has bestowed upon me.  Life is good!

I was just thinking last night when I came from the barn, looking around at our yard, at our home, at our beautiful horses and the cozy little barn that protects them from the damp, cool spring evening that we were experiencing.  I was suddenly struck with the overwhelming gratitude that I have a husband who loves me and works so very hard to keep our little piece of the world looking nice.  He works so hard.  He does so much.  Whatever, however would I even attempt to keep up with everything that needs to be done?  I sometimes feel overwhelmed with what I have to do, a full-time job, house cleaning, meal preparation, grocery shopping, bill paying, appointment making, organizing, feeding, stall cleaning, yard work, house maintenance, vehicle upkeep and on, and on, and on, and on...but that's just life, right?  We wake up each morning and face each day with stuff that needs to be accomplished.  And if it doesn't all get done??  Big deal - there's another day tomorrow.  Like the Bible reminds us, don't worry about tomorrow because today's  worries are enough for today.  Sage advice.  Just look upward and give thanks.  Do what we can, and leave the rest for another day.  The grass is always going to need mowing, there's always going to be housework to be done, laundry...well, that's never ending right?  Just remember to be happy.  Give thanks to God in heaven who provides us with our needs.  No matter how bad of a day you may think you might have had...there is always a reason to be thankful and thoughtful of our blessings.  Always.

Every morning before I rush off to work, I always take the time to drive down the driveway, do a final headcount of the horses and the llama.  I then ask Jesus to watch over our little herd and to please protect them from all harm.  Please, just keep them safe...it's always answered.  When I get home each evening and their bright little faces are there nickering for their next meal...I try to remember to give thanks.  I don't always remember.  But, I am always thankful.  Same goes for my husband.  I pray for his safety and good health.  I'm thankful each evening when he comes home...safe and sound.  I'm blessed to have a good, steady job in these uncertain economic times.  I'm thankful that my boss is a good man.  He's kind-hearted and patient.  I don't think he's ever raised his voice to me.  I'm positive there've been many times he's wanted to.  :)  I'm thankful that in a small way, I get to work with horses and get paid for it.  I get opportunities every single day to help people.  It may only be a kind word, an encouraging bit of advice, or a reassuring, "I know how you feel", but I love how good it feels to be useful and be of some good to someone else.  I'm thankful for that.  I'm thankful that we have enough money to support ourselves and do something occasionally that's purely for fun.  I have more clothes and shoes than I need.  I certainly have more food to eat than I need.  All our animals are plump and well-fed as well.  I'm blessed with amazing people in my life, beautiful friends and a loving family.  I don't get to see my family as often as I'd like, but if I really want to talk to someone...there's always someone to reach out to.  I may not ever have the body I've always dreamed of having, I probably won't ever look good in a swimming suit *sigh*...but oh well...my body has always accomodated me quite well.  I'm healthy, I'm strong, and I can do most anything that I set my mind to doing...well, within reason anyway.  For all these things, I am thankful. 

I was so distressed while watching a little of the news last night.  There is so much heartache in our world.  So much strife and hardship for so many people.  My prayers go out to so very many.  That's about all I can do - offer up prayers and let God handle the details.  I must always remember that He is in charge.  Again, I am thankful for that.  We all suffer hardship in our lives.  But, no matter how difficult times may be or become...God leads His people through them.  We probably don't get out of them because we learn and become stronger because of difficulties, tragedy, loss, pain, disappointment...whatever; but we're never alone.  Nope, not ever.  Look up and take comfort.  He is always there. 

So, in closing friends, readers, fellow human beings...don't wallow in your petty little problems of this life.  Stop whining, stop complaining about every little thing in your life that you see as less than perfect.  Shut up and give thanks for your many, many blessings.

May God forgive us our many shortcomings and grant us patience with one another.

If I've stepped on anybody's toes and you're taking this little reminder personally.  Get over it.  You probably needed to hear this today.  :)

Have a good one...it is your choice you know.

We could all take a lesson in life from Annie...

Lorie aka cingspots