Grateful for what I have

“If we do not feel grateful for what we already have, what makes us think we’d be happy with more?” — Unknown

Last weekend I deactivated my facebook account. There is nothing wrong with facebook in and of itself. But, I found that when I was feeling dissatisfied with my life, facebook fed that dissatisfaction whether it was looking at what other people had or did or searching for people in my past and imagining a different life than the one I have now. Dissatisfaction is a ugly housemate and the only thing I have found to combat it is gratitude, hence my 30 days of gratitude.

Today's list is a reminder of what I have, especially in light of what facebook was telling me I needed.

1. A loving husband: The longer I am married, the more I realize that "tried and true" love is much better than young love, despite what the world might tell you. The feelings may not be as high and low, but faithfulness is a beautiful thing.
2. 3 daughters: Yes, I still have moments of "the ache," times when I think "just one more" or "what would a son be like," but each day I get to know these wonderful little creatures God has given me. Hannah's full body hugs, ability to be distracted with books in an instant, and her sometimes "out of left field" questions that make us say "mmm." Grace's well ordered, mathematical brain, and ability to see "that's not fair" wherever she looks. Elizabeth's high energy, deep into the "why" phase, and ability to exhaust me in her unique way.
3. A home that is enough: I need to remind myself of this, especially when I spend too much time on zillow looking at all the beautiful homes out there. Enough really is enough and I am content.
4. Loving family: My parents, in-laws, brother and his family, brother-in-law and his family, and my extended family... this past summer we were blessed by many encounters with our family and I was reminded again how blessed I am.
5. Friendships: I think I have said this before, but it needs to be repeated and often. God has blessed me again and again with people who he brings into my life, some for a lifetime and some for a season.
6. Drinking water
7. Inside bathrooms: as much as I love pioneer and frontier stories, I am very grateful for this modern convenience
8. Reliable transportation: Often I do not think about this until we do not have it, but for today, I am grateful that our vehicles are reliable.
9. Growing contentment: This isn't always a part of my life, but for today I am grateful.
10. Ability to read: the last month and a half have been filled with times to read. I know this is a luxury to have all this time to devote to reading and I am grateful.