Grateful Summer

A long while ago, I thought I'd join Ann's community of grateful believers. My plan was to number all those things for which I am grateful. I stopped counting at #18. First, let me say I'm way more grateful than that.:-)

I don't even remember why the list petered out. It's not important now, anyway. Blogging is such a good way to journal. The pictures, the words, the categories and the careful dating--a history is here of my person in the process of becoming. I read some early thoughts and think to myself, "oh I don't think that's quite the way I see it now." Or I see a good idea unfolding and I know how it all came to be and then more so. This time last year, I was just getting an inkling of the physical and emotional trial that was ahead of me as I waited for our baby's birth. Now, I know how the story all unfolded. I see God's hand: His lessons in friendship, His grace upon my marriage, His willingness to let me make mistakes and His plan to teach me. Mostly, though, I see how profoundly aware and grateful I am for the opportunity to begin again every morning, knowing that I am both forgiven and loved. G.K. Chesterton wrote, "I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."

Blogging has made me more aware of the wonder in the world. And for that, I am grateful. That's #19. And so, I begin again, and dedicate the summer to noting and appreciating my thousand gifts.