It’s Five Minute Friday once again, where we gather at Lisa-Jo Baker’s place and free-write for five(ish) minutes on a one word prompt. This week the word is Grateful. Join us if you like!
Some days the gratefulness comes easy like those lazy days of summer when the sunlight lingers and the breeze flutters warm and balmy. No deadlines looming on the horizon. No crazy schedule. Those are the days when the kids frolic outdoors like all of the Wild Things that they are. We’re happy and healthy and carefree.
On other days, the story isn’t quite so bright. The winter lingered a little too long and leftover cabin fever rules the day. Laundry piles up in one messy mountain, and the littlest boy who’s been potty trained for more than a year now, wets himself not once, not twice, but three times in one day for some unknown reason.
These are the days when children bicker and whine and complain, and we find ourselves unable to help them because the bickering and whining and complaining is going on in our hearts, too.
But in Lysa Terkeurst’s book, Unglued, I read about turning that attitude into gratitude, and I know it can be done. Because who wouldn’t feel grateful for a healthy child, or food in the fridge, or soft beds to sleep in?
So even when the gratitude comes hard and we must dig deep to find the good in our day, it still comes. It still comes.
And I’m so grateful.
Grateful for grace and the promise of a God who will never give up on me, never quit working in my life (Phil. 1:6).
Grateful for the blessing of a Mom (and Dad) who love the Lord and taught me the truth of salvation.
Grateful for a house full of rowdy, messy children who simultaneously make my days exhausting and wonderful.
Grateful for 15 years wedded to a man who continues to seek the Lord and love me even when life gets a little crazy.
And for so many other things,
I give thanks.
No more attitude, just gratitude.
Because He is good.
All the time.
Jen 🙂
You may find me sharing at any of these lovely places or here:
Christian Mommy Blogger, Missional Women, My Freshly Brewed Life,
Beauty Through Imperfection, Managing Your Blessings
Being Confident of This 
Enjoy those days, and take a lot of pictures! They will remind you of what it’s like before they all grow up and fly away. Blessings to you and your family, Jen. Have a wonderful weekend.
Yes, it happens all too quickly! Our twins (the youngest of the bunch) will be heading to Kindergarten this Fall, so I’m keenly aware this year of just how grown-up they are all becoming. Thank you for visiting and leaving some encouragement here!
Jen 🙂
Beautiful, Jen! Yes, being grateful is a choice we make. There will always be days where the bickering and whining is rampant among all. It’s whether we choose to stay in that place that will determine the true outcome of our day. Lovely post!
Yes! The outcome can be different – that’s something I’m learning. 🙂 We ended the worst day of the week with a water fight outside (since it was a balmy 85 degrees here in Indiana!). It was so freeing to choose laughter rather than bitterness. Thanks for stopping by!
Jen 🙂
This is beautiful, Jen. I think so many of us (myself included) seem to find ourselves on a gratefulness fast….Probably not intentionally, but certainly because of busyness or distraction. Thank you for the reminder to be intentional in my gratefulness.
Thank you, Leah. I completely agree – we don’t set out to be UNgrateful, but it just kind of happens along the way. I’m so guilty of forgetting my blessings when hardships come along.
Jen 🙂
The days pass so quickly and soon are a vapor of memory. Memories linger always and each one is a precious gift. Enjoy them and be grateful for all.
So true, Debbie!
Jen 🙂
I have twins that are my youngest kids… and mine start kindergarten in the fall too!!! Love finding twin mommies 🙂
Stopping by from FMF and glad I did! I loved your post- I love that you’re real and honest!! Even preacher’s kids can bicker, whine, and complain?? Good to know 😉
Ah, yes, even preacher’s kids (and preacher’s wives, too!). 😉 Yes, it’s always nice to meet other twin mamas! I’m so excited for ours to start kindergarten, yet sad, too. It’s a weird mix of emotions!:)
Jen
Stopping by from Homeschool Mother’s Journal. I liked this line: These are the days when children bicker and whine and complain, and we find ourselves unable to help them because the bickering and whining and complaining is going on in our hearts, too.
That is so true, I’ve noted that far more than once. 🙂
Glad to know I’m not the only one who finds myself in this spot! 🙂 I’m learning little by little that my own attitude makes all of the difference, and it really is my choice. It’s still a work-in-progress for me, though!
Jen 🙂
[…] Being Confident of This: When Gratitude Comes Hard […]
Visiting from The Weekend Brew –
gorgeous bloom against weathered wood and chalky GRACE spilled across the top!
Thank you! One of the things I’ve discovered through this blogging journey is that I really enjoy making graphics from photos. It’s been so much fun.
Jen 🙂
Yes, gratitude is so important! It sets us up for a positive attitude and joy throughout the day. Good reminder. Thank you for posting!