In our family...

In our family....we do second chances...we do grace...we do real...we do mistakes...we do I'm sorry (and I forgive you)...we do loud really well...we do hugs...we do family...we do love.















Sunday, November 1, 2009

To be grateful

Today, I choose to be grateful.

I choose to not let the pain I am in stop me from doing everything I had planned for today. It may stop me from doing some things but not all of it. For that I am grateful.

I choose to focus on those things I am grateful for instead of the pain or worry. I refuse to let “this” beat me down or stop me from living today…even if that means I have to let go of my agenda for this day and the guilt for not following it in it’s entirety.

I am grateful that my little people are not sick and that even though the noise they are making and the commotion of their busyness is difficult to be around, I am still grateful that they are here. I am grateful for every one of their kisses and hugs.

I am grateful for my husband. I am grateful that I have someone so wonderful to lean on. That he does all the things he does, not because he has to or that I’ve asked him to but on his own free will. I am grateful that he has learned to read me and my pain level and without my asking him, he steps up to the plate and takes over. I am grateful that he won’t think I “owe” him because of this. I am grateful that he enjoys football with me and makes it special with the food he prepares for it.(I told you I am spoiled by him.)

I am grateful for my children. That they call me often. They keep me in contact with my grandchildren and update me with pictures of them. Which makes me grateful for my computer and  the internet that keeps me in constant contact with them. I am grateful that they are so loving and kind to me. Most of all, I am grateful that they each are out living their lives, even if it means to be so far away from me and are people I would choose to be friends with.

I am grateful that my son took time to have supper with us last night and for how good he is to the little people.

I am grateful for my job and for the friend I care for. I am grateful for all that she teaches me. I am grateful that we have each other.

I am grateful that I don’t have to go to church to feel God’s unconditional love and grace for me. I am grateful that I get to serve him. I am grateful that he saved me from the life I once lived.

I am grateful that the snow is gone for now and that it has stopped raining. I am grateful to see the sun shining and the blue sky this afternoon.

I am grateful for what I have learned and continue to learn through the eyes of pain. I am grateful that it has taught me compassion for anyone that hurts, physically or emotionally.

I am grateful that being in this amount of pain today does not dictate what will come tomorrow. I am grateful that tomorrow is a new day.

I am grateful for how loved I am. I am grateful for the abundance that is mine.

Today, I choose to be grateful.

In closing, I share with you my grandchildren and my youngest children enjoying the fun of Halloween 2009.

Halloween pictures 2009

Are you grateful? What are you grateful for?

 

24 comments:

LPC said...

Thank you so much for sharing those photos. So cute.

I Am Woody said...

Thank you so much for this post. It is so easy to fall into the pity party sentiment. Our happiness is not dependent on the things that happen to us but on how we respond to them. Thank you for the reminder!!

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

Good post. As for me, I am grateful for absolutely everything -- the good, the bad, and all in between. We are not who we are without it all. Have a blessed week!

Jeannie said...

I am grateful for people like you who keep me from being too centred on myself.

I am grateful for family.

I am grateful for my pets.

I am grateful to live in Canada.

I am grateful for a lot more...

Natalie said...

I am grateful for you. :D

SSG said...

hey lori, i am grateful for people like you in the world. I hope you had a great weekend. Hallowe'en rocks! and i love the photos.

Buckeroomama said...

I am grateful for gentle reminders everywhere (like this post!) for things that we should be thankful for.

Busy Bee Suz said...

I love the pictures...I adore your words. You are so wonderful...I hope you know this.
I am grateful for so much...health, family, friendship and LIFE.

Joanna Jenkins said...

Your family is beautiful and it looks like they had a wonderful Halloween.

Hang in there. I'm cheering you on.

xo

Bogey said...

So much gratitude Lori; is it no wonder God loves you so unconditionally. I can appreciate and understand the pain you are going thru. Right now I am having difficulty walking due to knee injuries. But, like you, I do not let it hamper me.

I am grateful that you came by my Blog many, many months ago, introduced yourself and stuck around. You have become a good friend.

I am grateful that you share your life so openly with everybody and allow them to see who Lori is.

Wishing you a pain-free week.

SciFi Dad said...

Great post.

I am grateful that this weekend is over, and (hopefully) we can get back to normal, as my daughter was sick and whiny all weekend.

CiCi said...

Great fun photos and a wonderful post. I can relate to so many of the things you have on your grateful list!
Your life isn't a breeze but it makes you a warrior and a survivor.

Jan said...

I am grateful that Beloved's cold this weekend was just that - a cold. I am grateful he is feeling better and that neither The Young One nor I caught it. I am grateful that we didn't have to cancel Jolly and Little Guy's visit.

Don't give up and don't give in - I am with you 100% on that. You are a remarkable woman.

mommytoalot said...

VEry beautiful post. Lovely pictures.
..so much to be greatful for.
I am greatful for my children, my husband, my sisters,my mom..my brothers..
I am thankful for my friends, and I am thankful for the school and community who did a wonderful touching memorial for sweet Sydney.

Brian Miller said...

great pics! your grands are so cute. thanks for the reminder to be grateful...sometimes we can miss that. have a great week!

Jo ~ said...

You have a wonderful heart and a beautiful family! hope you're feeling well. Glad you got a giggle over here. I think we should all take inventory on what we're thankful for, right now I'm thankful work is over and bedtime is pert near now!

Smart Mouth Broad said...

I am grateful for you. You've reminded me to be grateful for all the blessings in my life. Great post.

Anonymous said...

I am grateful for my internet friends, especially you today. Without you I would feel much more alone in circumstance. I am grateful for you Lori.

Hilary said...

Lovely sentiments. It's so easy to forget gratitude when not feeling well. At least for a bit. But so nice when you don't lose sight of what's good in your life. Your family is lovely.

Shrinky said...

I feel quite humbled reading this - what a remarkable person you are, and thank you for reminding me of all the blessings I have to be grateful for. I do so hope tomorrow brings a pain free day for you - and as for those wonderful little people there, they certainly look to be growing into a huge credit to you.

Kathryn Magendie said...

I tried to comment above with the Hug video and post - but didn't see the comment link....It so touched me - what a beautiful video to go with those beautiful words ....*H U G !!!*

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