So if I were to finish up gratitude posts for this month with my own thoughts about gratitude based on where I'm at in my life right now, I'd say this: It's not the list of things we're thankful for, although we certainly are blessed. But more than that, I'd say it's a feeling of gratitude for being where we're at, in whatever circumstances, just thankful to BE.
Life is a gift. It doesn't matter where or how life happens, but the breaths we take, the conversations we share, the love we feel, the moments, the memories, and the comings and goings of every day--there is a lot to be thankful for just in that.
I say that because as Joie was throwing up this morning, I was finding myself hoping that maybe she'd just eaten the wrong thing and once she threw up she'd be ok.
Then when she wanted to throw up again, I knew this wasn't just an upset stomach, and I'd be here instead of out exploring God's playground and God's art gallery with everyone else in my family.
My next thought: This happened last time our family was here, only then it was my sister-in-law, Melissa, staying back with her daughter, Olivia, who was sick. But last time (two years ago) was the first time our family had decided to meet in Moab (half-way between where one of my sisters lives in Colorado and where the bulk of the rest of the family members live), we were novices at house rental in Moab, and when we arrived we discovered we'd rented a small house in a hostel. The good news was we had the house to ourselves. We mingled with some interesting people for a few days, and were thankful for shelter...and lesson learned: This year we booked early, like way back in January.
So when I was thinking about Melissa having to stay behind two years ago with her sick daughter, I was instantly thankful for the beautiful home we are renting this year. Spacious. Clean...and as far as I know we're the only critters living here.
Admittedly, there was a little pang of loneliness that tugged at my heart as I watched the rest of the family walk out the door, but again...home, not hostel.
As I've thought of other things I'm thankful for today, Joie is certainly on that list. Her life is a gift, and we're thankful every day we get to share that life (even the pukey days). We're so, so blessed to share her life.
We're thankful too to be here spending time with family. It's fun to see nieces and nephews growing into little people with their own personalities and relationships, and to see that some of our children's best friends are their cousins.
And I'm thankful for a car and a set of keys...just in case Joie feels better later and we can join everyone else...
And for the fun (non-traditional) Thanksgiving feast we'll share later.
Now for pictures of our amazing day yesterday:
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| Enjoying the view at Dead Horse Point |
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| Photo by Megan...amazing! |
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| Again, by Megan |
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| by Megan |
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| Dead Horse Point |
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| On second thought, maybe she wasn't quite herself yesterday either... |
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| Morning Glory Bridge |
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| From the ground, looking up at Morning Glory Bridge |
1 comment:
Sorry for the sick one! it sucks to be sick!!! Edward is finally himself again after being sick well I think since last Thursday...I hope hers passes a lot quicker that that! We have had no poopy diapers since yesterday AM!
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