A Grateful Heart

My eyes have been open to little gifts all around me this week. More importantly, my heart has been open to receive and embrace them. 

It's so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and neglect to see all the gifts around me. I get tired, distracted, and my attention starts to turn on all the things that I want to change. My attitude starts to be of  

worry or discontent, and not holding tightly to His faithfulness. 

So, what if I intentionally became more aware and embraced wholeheartedly all the simple and beautiful gifts that are around me each and every day.

What I am finding is that they are unexpected, extravagant, and my heart truly is overcome with gratefulness.

Some of the gifts I've been given this week...

A quiet evening in which I was able to spend time in the Word and prayer.

The generosity of a friend who is giving me riding lessons and allowing me opportunities to come and just be around horses. This is a dream come true for me and one in which where because of circumstances, a passion has laid deep inside.

One of my children saying, "I love you" just because.

Looking outside my window and seeing the beauty of Fall.

My husband painting our front door for the fourth time.

A renewed friendship.

God's timing.

The privilege to pray on behalf of my children.

Having someone recognize a great accomplishment and celebrating with us.

Laughter.

Time to work on craft projects.

Writing in a new journal.

Hearing my 1 1/2 year old niece count to 10.

Resting in faith.