Ordinary Thankfulness

". . .give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Looking around at the ordinariness of my day, and my home today, I found so much to be thankful for. How often I overlook the ordinary, take these things for granted, when they are some of God's greatest gifts to me on this earth.

Lord, I am thankful today for the rain you are giving us. It is making this world colorful and vibrant. It is growing our garden strong and healthy. No one makes water like you, fresh from the heavens, it is pure and healthy. Thank you, Lord. Thank you for the little plants that are thriving and will provide food for my family, neighbors and friends in a few months.


Thank you, Lord, for laundry. My family is clothed - amen! The dirt speaks of healthy adventures, hard work you have given us, funny spills, good times. Thank you that I can wash our clothing with the simple push of a button, instead of down at the creek {although I'd like to try that for fun someday, I am thankful that I have the choice not to.}

Thank you, Lord, for dirty dishes. My family is well fed, because of your faithful care for us. Thank you that we have fresh water in our home with which to do dishes and prepare food with. Thank you for all the helping hands that are learning lessons in keeping a home, that they will one day be able to minister to their families in the same capacity.

Thank you, Lord, for a small place to keep pretties and earthly treasures. Though I know material things have no lasting value, this pretty little place gives my eyes a place to rest and refresh. I am so thankful for this area of our home.

Thank you, Lord, for the books you have graced our home with. Thank you for the incredible blessing of being able to give our sons a home education. Thank you for the many people you have graced with wonderful words, that we can enjoy the gifts you gave them and be fed by their ideas and thoughts to make ourselves better people.

Thank you, Lord, for rest. This is one of my favorite gifts, I am so thankful. Sweet, sweet, rest.

So thankful.

Thank you, Lord, for the friendship you have given my sons with each other. I will continue to pray that you will keep them as each other's best friends. Thank you that they enjoy being with each other, encouraging one another, cheering for each other, playing with each other. I'm even thankful for the fights- thank you that you allow us to learn about unconditional love, giving preference to one another, forgiving each other in a manner that honors you. Thank you that we are able to learn these lessons in the harbor of our home.

Thank you, Lord, that you have given us a place to rest our heads each night. My Lord grants rest to those He loves- thank you for loving me so much, Lord.

Thank you, Lord, for shoes on our feet. That we may accomplish the work you have for us to do, and also that you give us enjoyment in doing that work and being together. I am so thankful for the coming warm summer days.

Thank you, Lord, for the full life you have given us. We have so many activities that bring us good friends and fun memories.

Thank you, Lord, that we were able to register for 2011 Life Action Family Camp. Thank you, Lord, that we only have to wait 8 more weeks until our week in Michigan, surrounded by like-minded families that desire to love you and live fully surrendered lives to you. Lord, you know the prayer in my heart concerning our family at Life Action. Please bless and supply abundantly beyond any human comprehension. May you keep your hand of blessing and protection over Life Action and your servants there. Thank you for Family Camp, Lord. Thank you.

Thank you for Creation, Lord. Oh how we have enjoyed watching the hummingbirds feed and play outside our window!

Thank you, Lord, for the door that welcomes us in at all times of the day. Thank you for the desire to welcome any and all into our home. Thank you, Lord, for making the walls of this home a safe haven for all who enter, that they may feel your presence and experience your glory. May the walls of our home always reflect your glory and prompt praise to you. May we always stay humble before you as we desire to minister as your hands and feet to each other and all who enter. Thank you, Lord, for our home.

Thank you, Lord, for green grass. We are so blessed by this springtime carpet you have given us.

Thank you, Lord, for Mother's Day flowers. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful and loving family.

Thank you, Lord, for my husband. He works so hard, thank you for blessing him with strength and wisdom. Thank you for the unconditional love he faithfully gives to our family. Thank you for protecting him, bringing him home safely every night to us. Thank you for his dirty boots, that he has work that he so willingly does for our family, and his enthusiasm and conviction about raising our boys to be hard workers, but mostly thank you that he wants them to love you more than anything else. Thank you, Lord.

So thankful for the ordinary things. Count your blessings, name them one by one. It is so amazing when one stops to really do this. I deserve nothing - worse than nothing - I deserve hell. I am so thankful for the grace that has saved me, so thankful for the ordinary gifts that are miracles that He has given me.

Gratitude is a choice. Today I choose to be thankful.