Don't let the difficulties of the present moments overshadow the reality of God's promises. God's promises still stand. And God's promises are stronger than our failures.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

The Simple Things

Sometimes when things don't go as you expect or want them to, it pays to step back and take stock of the good things in your life, especially the simple things that bring so much joy. Behind My Red Door, one of my favorite blogs, posted about the simple things recently and it made me wonder just what simple things I'm grateful for. I'll share a few.


I'm grateful for old comfortable clothes. You know the kind, the ones that the elastic is stretched all the way out on so they aren't tight anywhere? The ones that are big and sloppy and lived in are my favorites. The ones you put on when you know you aren't going anywhere and no one is going to drop by - the rainy day clothes - those are my choices when I just want to be me.


I'm grateful for a room of my own. When I was a child I shared with my sister. While she is now by very best friend and the other half of my personality, it has not always been so. I remember putting our wardrobes (we didn't have closets) and chests side by side down the middle of the room - drawing a line in the sand if you will. Her room was on one side and mine on the other. She saw the back side of my wardrobe and chest and I saw the back side of hers. We thought we were quite smart. Mother didn't agree.


I'm grateful for the home I live in. Oh I get so frustrated sometimes with this and that....there's a lump under the carpet right outside my bathroom door (do you think it might be a dead mouse that somehow snuck under there and got stepped on when they put the carpet down? I think about weird things like that), my stuff overfloweth my closets because there are way too few of them (or do I have too much stuff?), my washer and dryer are in the kitchen and I hate that (but at least I have them!), there isn't nearly enough light in my sewing room (and the ones that I have put off so much heat that it rivals my hot flashes). I'm sure you could make your own list but, truly, I love my home. It's warm and welcoming and has a terrific view. There are so many who have no home and I know this one is blessed.

I'm grateful for grandchildren who want to call Grandma to tell her that they lost a tooth, or that they made a 4 on an AP exam, or that they have a basketball game Friday, or that they are running away to my house for a little while. I'm grateful for grandchildren who can fix my computer when it does something (deliberate I'm sure) to stop me in my tracks, who have the most gorgeous hair that curls and curls and curls, who have passed their driving exam, who have red streaks put in their blonde hair, who love to skate across my parquet floor on their shoes with wheels despite the many times their mother tells them not to, who love to dress up and put on a show for me, who sleeps all over the bed and back again, and who is yet to be born.


But I think most of all I'm grateful that I live in a country where I can have all the Bibles I want. Maybe this is not such a simple thing but it should be.

What are you grateful for?

16 comments:

Twisted Fencepost said...

I am grateful that I live in the United States of America! And that my family and I have good health!

Gene Black said...

I am grateful for my wonderful friends, both in blogland and those I can see and touch.
I am grateful for eyes to see and ears to hear. I am grateful that I can smell both the roses and the stench of a manure pile - How else would I know how wonderful the roses smell.
I could blather all day and never say all that I am thankful for. And that, most of all, is a real reason to be grateful.
Peace, ya'll.

Unknown said...

I'm thankful for my health, family, country, service men and women, church, Jesus and the bible. I'm thankful for running water, indoor plumbing, deoderant and toilet paper. Sanitary napkins, asperin, antibiotics, and sunblock. Electricity, my van and my husband, children and grand children. My home, my bed and pillow. Just to name a few!

Salem Stitcher said...

I'm grateful for the friends that I could call at 3 a.m. if there's trouble. I'm grateful for strangers that pass by on the street with a smile and "good morning". I'm grateful for my job and the talent God has given me. I'm grateful that my parents are still with me and that we can laugh with each other. I'm grateful for waking up every morning and having a place to lay my head in comfort every night. I'm grateful for doctors and the guys that pick up our garbage every week.

Oh...the list could go on. It's good to think of "grateful" and not "wish I had"...

Alexandra MacVean said...

What a WONDERFUL post. I've been doing alot of this since I got sick, and especially since my surgery a week ago. It's so easy to get down when things go wrong, but if one stops and takes note of all the good things that have happened and still happening...it changes your perspective of life quckly.

Anonymous said...

Much of your list could have been written by me, for it is what I would write. Again we have so many similarities. Maybe we are long-lost cousins or something ;D

Teresa said...

A wonderful post to remind us to be thankful for all our blessings. I have a truely blessed life and have so very much that I am thankful for. You know, we are not well to do financially by most people's standards, but a house filled with love, grandchildren that run to you for a hug when they see you and the companionship of a good man, life is good!

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Hi Marlene, you always come up with great post. Lets see, I guess the main thing I'm grateful for is my faith and family. Your always grateful for good health and I guess the gift that God's give us. Different in all people, but we all have it.
hugs,
Bonnie

Grammy Staffy said...

Marlene, you are such a dear person. I just love you. I feel your kindness through your words and the things you are thankful for.
I could read your post all day. I am thankful for most of the same things that you are.(except I don't have parquet floors... or a grandbaby on the way....wish I did) Your post brings my blessing to my mind as you list yours.Your clever writing style brings a smile to my heart as well.


Thankyou for that. Have a great day tomorrow. Hugs, Lura

Mama said...

Great post. I'm grateful also, even for blue walls. lol

Especially grateful for the freedoms I enjoy in the USA.

And for Jesus.

Osage Bluff Quilter said...

I love you thoughts. Makes you really stop and think. I a so grateful for my health, my mind, my family, the love of my life (38 years and counting)and most of all having God in my life.
Osagebluffquilter

em's scrapbag said...

That me and my family are healthy. That we have each other in good and bad times. Wonderful neighbors that are willing to help me at the drop of a hat. My Savior and this wonderfully amazing world he has created for me. The list goes on and on.

Rhondi said...

Hi Marlene
Today I am grateful that I don't have a full time job and can just stay home and do things I like, such as quilting. Like you I am also grateful that I live in a countrywhere I can own a bible.
Hope you have a good week.
Hugs, Rhondi

Anonymous said...

Hi Marlene,

I enjoyed your post thoroughly! It is good to be reminded about the various simple blessings in life!

Thanks for such an inspiring post today!

sister sheri said...

I am grateful for you... not that I'm saying you are simple or anything. Gee, did that come out right?

Vicky said...

I'm grateful and thankful and blessed to know that I can make choices. Many people are in hopeless situations and do not have that priviledge.