Grateful Monday

The gifts have been given, the decorations are put away, the 2010 goals have been made, the girls and I are reluctantly going back to our regular schedule and Jon headed back into the office this morning. I am always sad to see the holidays go, because I love the awe and joy and gratefulness that surrounds them, and the time spent with family and friends rejoicing. But mostly I'm sad to see them go because it means transition is around the corner.

Every January is a month of transitions in our house. Not only do we transition back into the regular daily routine following a vacation, but we begin to transition into tax season. We send Daddy back to work after having him home all the time, and as the weeks progress his hours will become longer and his work week will go from 5 to 6 days. It's hard on each of us in its own way, each year being different too.

And then it hit me. Like a billboard. Gratitude. The things in life that are hard to deal with are often things I could turn into gratitude. So this morning I am grateful, today I choose gratitude. I'll be taking time this year to record something I'm grateful for each day, and I know it will do me good to start off this season of transition with a little bit of gratitude.

I am grateful for today. I am grateful for another day to spend with my kids teaching them, playing with them and loving on them. I am grateful my husband has a job he loves and excels at, and I am grateful it provides enough for me to stay home. Thank you Lord for these things and all your blessings day to day, help me to recognize and remember them over the next few weeks, when the days are long and we all miss Daddy.

What are you grateful for on this Monday?

Psalm 136: 3-4
³ Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
⁴ to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.