Dear Gratitude Journal –
Thunder shook the house and rattled the windows. Lightening flashed in such quick succession it seemed like a massive strobe light outside the window. The rain pounded against the side of the house.
As the alarm buzzed, my mind bolted alert. The day ahead and all that needed to be accomplished shook my soul. Each upcoming activity and deadline pelted my mind. For a moment, my heart felt like the storm our neighborhood had weathered just days ago.
In Mark 4, we read of Jesus calming the physical storm that terrified the disciples with three simple words, “Peace, be still.” And it was.
On this day, to my tumultuous heart, He whispered, “In praising me, you will find peace.” And I did.
From the back of my mind, song lyrics whispered, “but I choose to praise, to glorify, glorify. The name above names. Nothing can stand against.” *
So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’m sharing a few things with you for which I am grateful, for which I choose to praise, as a sometimes-too-busy working mom…
For all the balls
As a mom who works full time outside the home, I sometimes feel like a juggler. Sometimes I even feel like an accomplished juggler, sustaining the act, keeping all the things in the air! But then, I wobble, or one thing will need more attention than another. A ball drops, and then another and then another, until I’ve dropped all the balls and stand empty handed. It’s often then, when I sigh and stoop to pick them up again, that I stop to notice the beauty in each of the things I’ve been juggling. Thank you, God, for giving me the chance to drop the balls and pick them up again. Each is a gift from you.
For fellow jugglers
One afternoon, as I stood tearful and empty-handed, a friend took my hands in hers, clasped them together and looked me in the eye. “Friend,” she said, “this does not make you a failure!” Thank you, Lord, for friends who you’ve given the gift of encouraging words.
For snooze buttons and dry shampoo
Because sometimes fifteen more minutes of rest restores my soul and my smile. Thank you, Lord, for the roof over my head, for a bed in which to sleep, for a job to wake up for and running water.
For quick cook dinners and grocery pick-up
We sat down at our kitchen table recently for dinner. In the course of conversation, we realized it had been days upon days since the three of us ate together at home at our table. We’d eaten out together some, picked up dinners, and even eaten in shifts as we came home. But, for my heart, there is something special about sitting down together – even if it is over macaroni and cheese from a blue box and chicken bites. Thank you, Lord, for food that sustains us. We are fortunate beyond measure to have choices in what we eat and the ability to cook inside our home. Remind us of our fortune and prick our hearts to graciously share.
For grace
From my Beloved, my growing too fast boy, my faraway family and forever friends, each has given immeasurable grace for my failures. I’ve forgotten important things because I allowed smaller events and ideas to crowd out important ones. I’ve rushed in and rushed past, when a slower pace would have built someone up. I’ve spoken when I should have listened and stood quiet when I should have disagreed. Thank you, Jesus, for extending your grace. Not only your saving grace, but your sufficient grace.
But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you. My power made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
As we count down the days until the Thanksgiving holiday, may you find countless reasons to be grateful. May you see the beauty in the juggle and the drops. May you receive the sufficient grace of our friend, Jesus.
Hugs and blessings, Bethany
*Lyrics from “Yes I Will” by Vertical Worship on their album, Bright Faith Bold Future