I decided to practice an exercise in gratitude by listing every thing I’m thankful for that pops into my mind in a span of ten minutes. Now a few caveats: First, these are not listed in order of importance, considering fruit comes before dark chocolate and that Mary is number 36 on my blessing inventory. It was merely an extemporaneous exercise. Moreover, I didn’t self-censor at all, so some of the blessings may seem a little silly. However, when it comes to being thankful, there’s nothing too trivial.
At any rate, here’s what I came up with:
1. My family
2. My faith
3. My health
4. My husband’s health
5. My kids’ health
6. The grandparents’ health
7. Fruit
8. The fall and the vivid colors of the leaves
9. Dark chocolate
10. Animals
11. Good books
12. My laptop
13. A healthy baby who is growing stronger every day
14. An extremely easy-going, happy baby who coos and giggles far more than she cries
15. Hearing Madeline sing “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid
16. Hearing Madeline say, “I ‘uv’ you, too” after I say “I love you” to her.
17. The opportunity to write for Faith & Family, one of my favorite publications
18. Flowers
19. Hikes through the woods with Dave, Madeline and Rachel Marie
20. My amazing homeschooling co-op
21. My fertility
22. My recently shaved legs
23. Warm showers
24. Clean drinking water
25. My relationship with my mom
26. Many, many wonderful friends
27. Eskimo kisses from Madeline
28. Wheat Chex with honey (I’ve been craving cereal lately…weird)
29. Jeans that fit right
30. Color Wonder coloring books (they keep Madeline occupied by the hour and I don’t have to worry about markers ending up all over her clothes, skin or the house.)
31. My abundant milk supply (I never have to worry about my babies not getting enough to eat)
32. My thick hair (considering it’s been falling out in copious handfuls since Rae’s birth, I might be in trouble if I didn’t have a full head of hair.)
33. Candles (I’m writing by candlelight.)
34. My mother ship (AKA Honda Odyssey)
35. Motherhood
36. Mary, our Holy Mother (thank you for saying, “YES!” to God’s call.)
37. Birthdays
38. Oxyclean