Monday, February 21, 2011

Counting gifts...

Still working on counting gifts...receiving all as grace. (See this post for more explanation!) On Mondays, I'm joining a group of others in sharing some of the gifts I'm thankful for in this season. I'd love to know what you're counting today!

104. Young mothers.
105. Baby slobber.
106.Cool, smooth sheets.
107.Wisdom for the moment.
108. Truck naps.
109. Velvety soft cat paws.
110. Breezy days, open windows.
111. Church potluck.
112. Sweet goodbyes...

"Gratitude is the most fruitful way of deepening your consciousness that you are...a divine choice..." Henri Nouwen

"Count blessings and discover Who can be counted on..." Ann Voskamp


*Confession - I feel compelled to confess that I'm struggling somewhat in this discipline of practicing eucharisteo - naming gifts, giving thanks, receiving grace and joy. I have a tendency to rack up a spiritual "to do" list, as though checking boxes off a list will please God. (Crazy, right? Is this a firstborn thing or a Type A personality thing? I do not know!) Anyway, I don't know who is reading this or why I felt the need for a little "full disclosure," but I don't want to give the false impression that I have a "handle" on anything...I'm just struggling...looking for grace in the moments...trying to be fully present, truly thankful, resting in God's wildly unreasonable love for me...


4 comments:

Stephani Cochran said...

I appreciate your "confession" recently I felt I was struggling with my list. Each week when it came time to post I would rack my brain trying to remember the moments from that week that were special. I started keeping a little journal in my purse so I could jot things down throughout the day. It's amazing how that discipline has changed my perspective. Recording the little things as they happen and seeing how much bounty there really is. We are all on a journey. No perfection here until we're with him face to face. Don't be too hard on yourself. It's nice to meet you. So glad I found your blog!

Hope Wilbanks said...

I've been feeling the same way. (I'm a first-born, too, so maybe you're on to something there.) ;) I just keep reminding myself it is in the daily practice.

Lora Maria said...

thanks for stopping by. It's fun to see the first steps of your gratefulness journey! :) It will surely be a blessing.

Susan Ragusa said...

Years ago I started counting gifts/blessings. I heard Sandy Patti say that she trys to find at least 10 things she is thankful for every day. Loads of laundry meant her house was full. I LOVE finding something positive about something so many people find negative.

I count my sweet sweet son as my number one gift. I count my husbands (yep.... to those who don't know me, it's gonna sound strange).... as my number two gifts. They are/were amazing humans (they put up with me)! After having moved.... I count the time I lived in Wisner as a huge gift. I think my two very best friends should be near the top too! They certainly have mourned with me & rejoiced with me! Thank you Les & Lisa. You two may never know how much of a gift you have been to me! The list just goes on and on.

Jeff & I just attended a marriage conference (Red Hot Monogamy). We didn't really learn anything new, but it's always good to be reminded of things! Just like reminding yourself to count your gifts! Thank you Les for reminding me to count my gifts! I love you!