30 Days of Thankfulness, Day #17 When Gratitude Finds You

When Gratitude finds you. 
I have been intentionally looking all month.
Each moment.
But this time I wasn’t.

Each morning I wake.
I struggle. 
I dig deep to Praise God.
I dig deep to get up.
Set my heart to gratitude.
Intentional.
Purposeful.
Gratitude in Grief. 
Seeking joy.
Knowing that God will meet me there.

This time when I woke, I had a peace.
When gratitude finds you. 
I wasn’t searching.
I woke with that deep, inner joy that has been missing for years.
It was earlier than usual.
I got up to get my coffee.
I took out that Ancient Word and nourished this thirsty soul.

When Gratitude finds you, unexpected things happen.
The youngest comes in from the barn and sits for a moment.
A gift.
The farmettes wake and are eager to read, have hot chocolate and color.

The sunshine spills into this drafty old Farmhouse.

The coffee is hot and there’s giggles and lots of fullness in this space.

The farm boy sends us pictures of the Marine Ball.

I’m just grateful. 
Pure and simple.
May you step into the practice of gratitude.
Digging each day, even when you don’t feel like it.
Even when the dark thoughts and ache permeate all.
Begin.
With one thought.
One Praise.
Look up.
Don’t be surprised when gratitude finds you.

30 Days of Thankfulness

I am thankful for:

Sunshine streaming through these farmhouse windows
Hot coffee in my mug
Coffee time with the oldest
Farmettes reading to me and to Loki
Our Farm boy and his service
a warm house on this chilly morning
my farmer who perseveres even in this brutal cold
the two youngest farm girls helping with chores
a ham dinner around our farmhouse table
giggles and games
boots that litter the entry way
the pitter patter of feet upstairs
The nurse girl and her friend sharing stories around our farmhouse table
Grace that I often miss