“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.” ~ Brian Tracy
Last year just before Thanksgiving, Ann V at Holy Experience started the One Thousand Gift List. It is quite simply a gratitutde list--an ode to the wonderful gifts in life that God has granted us. I found out about the list late, so never joined in. With all those grass is greener thoughts I had been battling, I thought I'd start in on my own gift list. You can read more of the story behind the list here at this sweet site. Here's the start of my 1,000 Gift List.
1. Rhyan's sweet little kisses on my hand and him saying, "Mommy, I just want to kiss you."
2. Friends from junior high school calling to say hi.
3. My husband's strong hand on the small of my back.
4. Quick, sharp kicks from this growing baby in my womb--proving that he's getting stronger everyday.
5. Coming home to a delicious smelling dinner brewing in the crock pot.
6. A case of Formula 50 Vitamin Water left in the kitchen overnight by my dear hubby.
7. Stacks of clean and neatly-folded towels in the linen closet.
8. Freshly laundered sheets on the bed.
9. Rhyan falling asleep 10 minutes after he's tucked in.
10. Podcasts of my favorite radio shows: Homeword, Focus on the Family, Thru the Bible, New Life Live and FamilyLife Today.
11. My daddy's hearty, healthy laughter over the phone.
12. Daily phone calls with my mother.
13. Getting a surprise call from my 86-year-old grandmother on my cell phone.
14. Sharing a quick, sweet memory of my grandfather with her.
15. A home I love to come to.
16. Journals from years past that show how much I've grown and how much I've gone through.
17. A great aunt who leaves cute voicemail messages for Rhyan and who calls me at work to say check on me.
18. Friends who send instant messages throughout the day to share funny thoughts.
19. The lovely voice of Fernando Ortega singing some of my favorite hymns.
20. A 13-year-old well-worn Bible that is full of post-it notes and handwritten scribblings.
21. A free Saturday afternoon with no engagments, appointments or parties to attend.
22. An empty email in-box at work.
23. A friendly card in the mail amongst all the bills.
24. Direct deposit from work so the bills can be paid.
25. The luxury of being able to buy groceries online.