This season of life is confusing to me. There’s moments that are so hard I’m just at a loss of what even the next step is to do, moving from minute to minute. Then there’s times where things just go so smoothly and everything’s great. I look around and so many precious things are happening.
It’s in both of these types of moments I’ve been trying so hard to be conscious of what I have to be thankful for. Whether it’s as simple as watching my children swing on the playground with squeals and bright smiles. Or if it’s just after one of them hasn’t made a good choice and tears and consequences have ensued.
The thankfulness doesn’t replace anything bad that’s already happened, but it presents itself out in plain view so that the only thing you can focus on is that, itself.
I struggle with this. I find myself starting to name what I’m thankful for and then nitpick over how silly it sounds because it’s simple things.
But is it? In Matthew 18:3 Jesus says, “ Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
I don’t believe that it was meaning that we need to act silly and throw mud around or play hopscotch for entertainment,(although those are totally appropriate at times 😉). I think He said it because He knew how innocent their minds are. They don’t have to think of the complex things to be thankful. They just things of what’s in front of them- food, shelter, clothing, family and friends, etc. Their innocence is what always brings me, as a mamma, back into perspective.
I see everyday how God uses my children to mold and shape me into the woman He wants me to be. With each child I’ve carried, has come many more things to be thankful for.
If you’re in the same boat, I feel you. But, it can also be the difference between reacting to something hard or acting on something hard and having completely different outlooks and attitudes.
Thank you God for the 3 little blessings I’m reminded of each day that I prayed for. Thank that they always point me back to You! Amen…
Xoxo, Shantel
