Pickled Gratitude

This weekend was very tiring.  We had a small group meeting that lasted well into the night/morning at my friend's house. Then that morning I went to a friend's garage sale at 7:00 (am)!! (I know crazy!) At 9:00 I went to a learn how to pickle pickles!  Lots of crazy fun.  Even though I am too tired to even remember the crazy fun I had, and I smell of vinegar, garlic and dill- I am one happy chick  turtle!

My mom always said that it was very easy to please me as a child.  I never asked for toys or expensive things.  Whether it was a plain comb or a walking doll, I had the same reaction.  I was grateful.  I often wonder how I developed such a deep gratitude for the ordinary.  I look back to my childhood (especially when I was 6) and recall one tragedy after another: the death of my father, my mother's move to Canada (without me), and a hurricane that devastated our lives.  Somewhere in my life as a child I realized that people trump things.  Instead of things I clung to memories of my father (starting at age 2), wishes of being with my mother (which came true a year later), and the everyday with the people that loved me.

Today, in the midst of my exhaustion, I am reminded again to give thanks for the people that love me in my everyday ordinary life.

My Mom- she is the life of the party and the party in my life
Libby - the younger sister I wish I had, and mother extraordinaire
Angel - a woman that is coming to know her strength and has limitless compassion flowing through her
Missy - she has taught me that judgement does not belong in friendships
Miss Pa - the Northerner who really belongs in the south
CC - a woman who came out of my prayers and into my life
Mille - our precious fitness guru

I thank God for the power house of friends he placed purposefully in my life.    Who are you grateful for today?

Join Ann Voskamp as she reminds us to be grateful.