on a day like today

On a day like today, I sit and ponder.  I wonder.  I dream.  I read.  I am prompted to write. And I am thankful.

My washing machine decided not to work today--the day I announced I was going to do 4 loads of laundry.  My sheets are soaking wet.  I told the dryer he has a lot of extra work on his hands.  My electric tea kettle sang its last tune today as well.  And the microwave burned my popcorn.  But it's all going to be ok.

I am reading Ann Voskamp's book (read about it here) and she writes about One Thousand Gifts--she makes a list of things that she is thankful for.  The things that she knows the Giver of all gifts has given to her.  And so, I decided to write my own.

Many of you know, living in Maryland has been one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life.  Things here, well, are difficult most days.  But, I am looking to the One who has the answers to all my questions.  And I realized, I will know Him more when I seek Him out.  In the little things.  And the big things.  And right now, my focus is on the small things, that sometimes will go unnoticed if I don't have my eyes open, or my ears in tune to hear them. 

So, I am writing them out.  And blogging about it.  To mostly share the beauty of life, even in the hardest of times. 

And first, is the picture from my sweet sister's wedding.  I just love this one of us.

Writing these is an act of thanksgiving.  Gratitude.  Ann writes "thanks is what multiplies the joy and makes any life large, and I hunger for it."  I do, too.  I hunger for my life to be large, full of joy, full of abundant life.  I long to not let things like washing machines, electric kettles, and burnt food bother me...  I really long to not let things like lies, harsh words, and empty promises from people stick with me...seeping in and somehow becoming truth.  I long to cling to the promises from the Promise Giver.  My soul longs for that.  Thirsts.  Hungers.  For more.

"And when I give thanks for the seemingly microscopic, I make a place for God to grow in me." -Ann V.

So, for today, I have these things:
1. Sun coming in the windows on a cold, wintry day.
2. Worship music singing to me in the background...Jesus Culture and Enter the Worship Circle
3. Hot tea in the afternoon with milk and sugar, of course.
4. Clean sheets--that will eventually be dry.
5. Walking to the post office to get my mail.  And if you read my twitter post yesterday, I got to walk the 4's class to the post office for them to mail their Valentine's to their parents...cutest thing ever.
6. Handwritten notes and letters from friends and family.
7. Packages from UPS.  Especially early birthday packages!
8. Lace and frilly, girly things.
9. Lit candles that burn all day long.
10. Fleece blankets, and wrapping up in them for the day.
11. My grandmother accidentally dialing my cell phone...but getting to chat with her for 20 minutes today.
12. Pictures of my friends and family on the fridge.  To remind me I am not alone in this life.
13. Text messages from friends.
14. Friends who ask the questions my heart needs to answer. 

What are you thankful for? 

"We can live 'saved', but not fully alive until we begin living a thankful life."