Things that are triggering Spontaneous Gratitude in me:
When it's a silver hair I find on my clothes and not a brown one ๐ (can I get an amen?!)
When a child is annoyed with you and you still make them laugh ๐
Good books to read (you know I had to include books) ๐
The song you didn't know you needed playing on the radio at the exact moment you do need it ๐
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Nonfiction books that speak to me ๐
Sweet "I miss you text" from my girl ๐
Access to a library ๐ข
Books to help you explore new locations ๐ฎ
Laughter ๐
Worship ๐
Lyrics coming to mind when I am reading Scripture, really helping to cement what I am reading ๐ ๐ ๐
Support from friends
Medical care ๐ท
Health Insurance ℞
Cuddles from Elijah
Cozy blankets
Warm tea
Cough Drops
Cell phone to keep connected ๐ฑ
Yarn to crochet ๐งถ
The right idea at the right time
A clean house๐ก
Work space ๐
We are called, no matter what we are going through to praise the Lord.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. Psalm 150:6
If you notice, the verse doesn't say, when you are having a good day, praise the Lord, or when you are happy praise the Lord. It says let everything that HAS breath praise the Lord. If you are reading this I imagine you have breath ๐ Nor does the verse say we have to have something big or profound to praise the Lord about, we are just to praise Him.
You might say to me, "but you don't know what I am going through." You're right, I don't. But, my guess is, you don't know what I am going through either. As I write this I am sick. I have an upper respiratory infection that started with a HORRENDOUS sore throat. I am on day four of the sore throat. I have no appetite or energy. I went to the doctor yesterday and she gave me meds and also prescribed lots of rest and plenty of fluid. Our house is on the market and we've had no showings. How can I rest when I need to be packing and constantly cleaning? We are moving to Cleveland and don't have a solid plan as to when. I have a child who is struggling with so many things and I am powerless to help them, I don't even know how to help them. That makes me feel useless and sad. A lot of people are putting their emotions on us and their thoughts (I don't want you to move). Matt's having trouble with his van, it was in the shop Monday and is going back into the shop today. I have a child who doesn't want to move but is slowly coming around to the idea. There are not a lot of houses in Cleveland that fit the size/price range/etc., we feel we need. It's hard balancing all the things and constantly wondering if you are prioritizing the right things. Now, these are a few of the things we are going through, and I know they may be small/minor, different than what you are going through. But, I can and am still praising the Lord. I am thankful for doctors and medicine so I can get well. While I wouldn't choose to be sick now, I am thankful for the forced rest. Maybe it is God's way of preparing me for what is ahead. Or, maybe, He is just telling me I need rest. I refuse to worry about not having showings yet, I KNOW the house will sell in God's timing. Same for the housing market in Cleveland, I know God will provide the right house at the right time, and me worrying about it won't change a thing. The child who is struggling? God is carrying that child whether they realize it or not. And, God can help that child better than I can, and for that I am TRULY thankful. Hopefully said child will draw closer to God in all of this and later, be able to see how He was carrying them, and maybe help someone else down the road. God does use all things for the God of those who love Him. I firmly believe that and see it on a regular basis. All those people putting their emotions on us? I am thankful they care. I am thankful for their friendships. The child who is resistant to change? I firmly believe God will work out the situation for the best. I will continue to pray in that direction as well.
I sometimes participate in Five Minute Friday, hosted by Kate, and the prompt this week is spontaneous.
When I was drying my hair this morning I saw a silver hair on my black shirt. I giggled and said "thank you Lord that it was silver!" Those two things together is what prompted this post. I usually listen to music as I get ready ready and the song "I'm So Blessed" by Cain came on. I wanted to add it to this post, because it's fitting. If you have time listen to it while reading the lyrics. I hope you realize how blessed you are. Because you are, and so am I. I hope that you will also find things to be spontaneously grateful about today. What is one thing you are grateful for today?
I’m So Blessed by Cain (listen here)
[Intro]I'm so blessed (I'm so blessed)
Hallelujah, I'm blessed
I'm so blessed (I'm so blessed)
Hallelujah, I'm blessed
[Verse 1]
Trouble knocking at my door today
I ain't gonna let it in
And worry wanna steal my joy away
But I ain't gonna let it win
[Pre-Chorus]
'Cause on my best day, I'm a child of God
On my worst day, I'm a child of God
Oh, every day is a good day
And You're the reason why
[Chorus]
I'm so blessed, I'm so blessed
Got this heartbeat in my chest
No, it doesn't matter about the rest
If I got You Lord, I'm so blessed
[Post-Chorus]
I'm so blessed (I'm so blessed)
Hallelujah, I'm blessed
I'm so blessed (I'm so blessed) (Okay)
Hallelujah, I'm blessed
[Verse 2]
And when I count the problems that I see
Hope looks all, but gone (Yeah)
But when I count the ways You're good to me
You got me counting all day long
Oh, yeah!
[Chorus]
I'm so blessed, I'm so blessed
Got this heartbeat in my chest
No, it doesn't matter about the rest
If I got You Lord, I'm so blessed
(Hey) I'm so blessed, I'm so blessed
Got this heartbeat in my chest
No, it doesn't matter about the rest
If I got You Lord, I'm so blessed
'Cause on my best day, I'm a child of God
On my worst day, I'm a child of God
Oh, every day is a good day
And You're the reason why
(Hey) 'Cause on my best day, I'm a child of God
On my worst day, I'm a child of God
Oh, every day is a good day (Every day is a good day)
And You're the reason why (Reason why)
[Chorus]
I'm so blessed, I'm so blessed
Got this heartbeat in my chest
No, it doesn't matter about the rest
If I got You Lord, I'm so blessed (Sing it again)
I'm so blessed, I'm so blessed
(And I've) Got this heartbeat in my chest
No, it doesn't matter about the rest
If I got You Lord, I'm so blessed (Hey, yeah)
[Pre-Chorus]
'Cause on my best day, I'm a child of God
On my worst day, I'm a child of God (Oh)
Oh, every day is a good day
And You're the reason why (Reason why)
'Cause on my best day, I'm a child of God
On my worst day, I'm a child of God
Oh, every day is a good day
And You're the reason why
I'm so blessed (I'm so blessed) (I'm so blessed)
Hallelujah, I'm blessed
I'm so blessed (I'm so blessed)
Hallelujah, I'm blessed
No, it doesn't matter about the rest
Hallelujah, I'm blessed
If I got You Lord
Hallelujah, I'm blessed
I'm grateful this day God has sent
ReplyDeletereminds me of the answer
that my life is only lent,
and I'm grateful now for cancer,
for it has taught me why to live
(not how, as you, the reader, might expect);
the why's wrapped up in what I give,
and in paradigms that I reject
that would take my huddled tears,
demand that I call this unjust,
take counsel of my darkest fears,
and in rage renounce my trust
in the God who placed in me
the seeds of death and destiny.
Andrew, I can only imagine how hard it must be to be grateful in the midst of cancer, but am thankful that you can find gratitude. Prayers for you.
DeleteCindy, thank you so much for your prayers!
DeleteIt's actually way easier to be grateful in the midst of cancer; life is sharply drawn, and its chiaroscuro highlights the blessings with which we have been gifted.
Andrew, that is a blessing to hear. I also think the more we practice an attitude of gratitude the easier it is to find things to praise Him for.
DeleteSo grateful to have come by your blog today. I'm woefully behind and trying to spend some time this afternoon catching up. This was a blessing. I, too, have been sick all week. Maybe not quite as sick as you...but I have felt terrible. We had revival since Sunday - of which I missed all "in-person." And I'm just tired. But - yes - I still want to praise Him! I am grateful for live-stream (and I admit I tend to be a critic of live-stream) and I am grateful that I slept well last night. There is more but you asked for one. Oops, that was two! I pray you will be able to rest. To be still. Even with all you have on your plate. And know your post today was a blessing!!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I am behind as well! Thank you for stopping by today, your comments always bless me. I appreciate your encouragement! I am still feeling quite rough myself, took a second Covid test this morning, thankfully still negative, but I do wonder if it is a false negative. I have canceled my babysitting job for tomorrow and will continue to do my best to heal and rest. I hope and pray you are feeling better soon!!
Deleteamen. may all our gratitude be spontaneous, full of joy and serendipity, nothing programmed or rote. love this, Cindy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda!
DeleteI am so glad that I came across your blog today, reminded me and motivated me to list down a things that I am grateful for too. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pooja, I appreciate you stopping by :)
DeleteMy sister/BFF died three weeks ago and my childhood best friend died in January so I really needed this post today. Thank you. I guess if nothing else I am grateful that I'm the one who gets to continue living and therefore I am grateful for everything I have in my life right now. I'm grateful to be sitting here in my livingroom on a cold Fall morning with my warm cat on my lap, drinking coffee and reading blogs. I'm grateful for all my friends and co-workers who have been helping me and holding me up and for people like you who write timely blog posts, even when miserable in your sick bed!
ReplyDeleteI hope your nasty illness is soon behind you (sore throats are the absolute WORST) and everything gets sorted with the van and the house.
Oh Jinjer, I am thankful this post brought you a measure of encouragement. I did read about your sister, but I didn't know about your best friend. I am so sorry. I know words are not adequate, but I am truly sorry for your losses. I know you have a lot to take care of with your sister's stuff (and mom) and I hope that is progressing. Hugs, book friend.
Delete