If you have followed this blog for any length of time then you are probably aware that I teach a class at our co-op every semester called Joyful. It is a class designed to have fun, build relationships, and, well, find Joy in every day things. Just before this semester started I came across the following post and shared it with the class on the first week. I thought I would share it here as well. It's a great reminder of the simple fact that Joy comes from Jesus and we can have joy even on the hard days.
I saw this meme this past week and laughed because it was true. HA!
January has been a long year ;-) LOL Anyway, with things this past month like sickness, weather, cancelling of lots of things, it would be easy to get down in the dumps for sure! I decided to take some time this past weekend and remind myself of the good - to find gratitude -- to be thankful for the things this month. Maybe you've struggled too so I thought I'd share some of mine.
1. I'm thankful that we are all feeling better. (Nate got sick January 6th with a head cold and then it just went from there - colds, coughs, stomach flu! As of 1.25.26 I do believe we are all feeling nearly 100%)
2. I am thankful that Darryl has been kept safe on the roads throughout some very treacherous driving this month. (And it is still treacherous!)
3. I am thankful that Nate had an amazing time at winter retreat! He just plain loves camp.
4. I am thankful for a very warm house.
5. I am thankful that our furnace runs faithfully.
6. I am thankful Josh decided to move his xbox to the living room - we've enjoyed lots of family time together in the evenings just all being in the same room. (Why? After being sick and stuck in his room he said he just needed to be in the living room where it was brighter)
7. I'm thankful Josh was able to go to my mom's when Darryl and Nate when down with the stomach flu. It's nice she lives so close.
8. I'm thankful for Zoom calls with my mom and brothers - we always laugh about something.
9. I am thankful Nate was able to earn his 2nd black belt!
10. I am thankful that Darryl, Nate and I "happened" to clean the church on a Saturday and discovered frozen pipes; they were repaired before any damage was done! (I normally clean on Thursday - but due to the bad roads, went in on a Saturday and my guys helped out!)
11. I am thankful we did not have frozen pipes at home.
It helps - it really does! When I first started writing things done it was slow going but the more I wrote, the more I thought of. So, if you are struggling take time to think of even small things you can be thankful for and remember to say thank you to God for those things! (A lot of times I say, "Thank you God for . .. ." and then list that item.)
