January joy

I have been purposefully choosing gratitude each day this month. It isn't that hard if you put your mind to it. I want to count the ways I feel His love and care for me. I want to find the good in my days and be mindful to seek the positive. It is both a discipline and a sacrament.  

I want to notice the small details of my life and savour them and give thanks for them.

This past week I spent time minding my grandson. I got to hold his chubby little hands and have him sit on my lap while I read him stories and play games with him and cuddle him to sleep. These things I will store up in my treasure trove of memories for the rest of my days.

I am surrounded by love. I choose to focus on the beauty in my days.  Our daughter shared the news that she is expecting a baby girl in June. Our little Samuel will be a wonderful big brother.

I give thanks for this indescribable gift of joy. Being  a grandma is such a wonderful part of my life.

I'm filled with awe that I should be so privileged.

After spending time away I have come back to my lovely garden with fresh eyes. I've enjoyed wandering about and inspecting the plants and noticing how much they have grown. I have sat and happily watched the chooks scratch and dig, looking for insects and worms. The baby chicks have grown so much too.

Every day is a gift. A gift to be appreciated and lived in, in gratitude. I am loved. I can share that love and grace with the people I do life with. I acknowledge that it is a precious gift.

 I look for small things to name.  

A sunset and sunrise.

Chubby arms around my neck.

Thunder overhead.

Strawberries picked fresh from my garden.

The smell of fresh clothes on my washing line.

The sound of rain on my tin roof.

The pretty baby dress  bought for my unborn granddaughter.

My husband's familiar and dear hands.

The smell of toast cooking.

My beautiful roses and their delicious fragrance.

Each and every tiny detail.

Gifts of love to my heart.

I count them one by one and am filled with joy! 

Betty

Gladys

Ginger

Dot

Myrtle

Fresh from the garden

Patsy

Pearl

The Wedgwood Rose

Glamis Castle

  "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every

 situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in 

plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives 

me strength."