Full of Thanks

I love the month of November.  I love focusing on things we are thankful for and helping my kids remember how blessed we are as a family.

Back at our old house, we had always written the things we were thankful for each day on the kitchen windows.  The kitchen windows in our new house are not compatible with that plan, so this year we are doing a thankful tree, which is a bit more work, but also makes a nice fall decoration.

It's easy for me to see the blessings in the good things in my life, but honestly, I'm a complainer about a lot of things.  Here's my attempt to see the positive in the things that I often grumble about.

I am thankful for dirty dishes, because they remind me that we have enough food to feed our family.

I am thankful for piles of laundry, because it's certain that our kids have enough clothing.

I am thankful for loud kids and messy rooms left behind from their creativity, because I know they are building friendships with each other and making our family stronger.

I am thankful for unorganized spaces and boxes still not unpacked from our move which was months ago, because we like to spend what free time we have together.  (I know organized homes are good, but sometimes something's gotta give, right? Don't worry, it will get organized someday.)


I am thankful I have good health and the ability to take care of the housekeeping responsibilities for my family. Some look down on mothers who choose to stay home and do such drudge work, but I am grateful I can stay home and make this place a happy place for my children, where they feel secure and loved.

I am thankful to have a husband with a busy work and church schedule.  He has a job, is working hard to support our family, and is able to serve in our church.  I am grateful he loves God, and has a desire to help others, even if it means that we see him a little less.

Yes, life is not perfect, but there is so much that is good in life, and I am truly, truly thankful.