Gratitude in August

Last year, a book on contentment prompted me to focus each day of August on an “attitude of gratitude.”  In retrospect, that was divine inspiration. There was no hint as August began, that I’d hear “probable thyroid cancer”;  endure numerous biopsies,  or that I’d be facing major surgery the third week of the month.  Enduring testing, surgery  and recovery was much easier because through it all – I really looked for the positive in every situation, every circumstance.   God blessed that monthlong initiative with a level of peace and contentment that is radically different than my "default anxiety" mode. 

Since last year's month-long focus, I’ve encouraged friends of mine to do the same. Contradictory, it may seem -  the hardest days make finding the hidden gifts easiest.  I’m convinced that regardless of what one is going through – focusing on the blessings, great and small is a helpful way of maintaining a Godly perspective, in storms and in the peaceful times times too.

Today, August 1^st, 2012 - there is no suggestion of a medical upheaval.  There is no hint of impending relationship doom with anyone close to me.  In fact, right now all three children seem to be in a great place.  My husband continues to remain employed in spite of a dismal economy. Spiritually, I’m on a “high” from my recent mission trip to Trinidad.   God did many amazing things through that journey.  I cannot, nor do I desire, to forget, lose sight of, or grow numb to their significance.    

Right now, I’m on a “hilltop” – having just returned a few hours ago from one of the best family trips ever.  It was a time full of laughter, encouragement, happy tears, maternal pride, and finally, military and patriotic significance.  (Topped with copious amounts of scrumptious food and slumber – and still more laughter!)  The past several days were an extraordinarily meaningful time with my much loved son, one of my daughters – and my hubby.   

Today begins the second annual 31 day focus on gratitude.  The urge to review August 2011 journal entries and blog posts is being denied for now.  However, when September comes – I look forward to comparing my thoughts from this month, to August 2011.   It will be interesting to see those blessings great and small that occur on both “lists.” 

We’ve just come through a very challenging season of life. Only God knows what lies in our immediate future.  Whatever comes, I WILL give thanks.  Whatever happens – the potential reality is far direr.  God is Great all the time.  His Awesomeness is not contingent on phone calls from police, family drama, biopsies, a frightening diagnosis, prodigal children, pink slips, office drama, struggling marriages, struggling children, or friends or bodies who fail us. 

 So, Here we go:  (and feel free to join me!  Add at least one "gift"  great or small for each day -  no matter what kind of personal Hell you may be experiencing at present!) 

Day 1 – August 1, 2012:  I’m feeling extreme gratitude for the great quality time we just spent with Tyler.  Hours of touring DC area with my newly acclimated son (DC looks different to me now since he lives there!), the Barracks, we enjoyed great dialogue along the way.  My heart was encouraged to see him happier than he’s been in years and to see him succeeding at his current role in the USMC.  It was a joy to see how others in his relatively new environment have embraced him and respect him.  We heard numerous compliments of his great attitude, hard work, dedication and skill. 

He so needed this season of life – and as a Mom of a grown man who will always, in my heart - be “my baby boy” - I’m beyond grateful! 

That's my baby in the front....I could not be more proud of him!  (Not just
when he's in a Military Uniform either!) He's been a great source of joy for
as long as I've had the incredible blessing of being his mom. 

His character and his heart have always been golden.