When I walked out our front door the other day, I noticed how lovely the tree in our front yard has become. My photo doesn't do it justice, but its leaves are a mix of bright gold and deep crimson, and they were swirling around me in the breeze and crunching under my feet as I got into my car.
Then I noticed that ours was the only tree--really, the only one--on the whole street that looked this colorful. All of the other trees are still green, or already bare and without leaves, or brownish. Now, I am not relishing in our good fortune to have a yellow and red autumn tree while our neighbors have brown trees to look at--of course the whole street would be so lovely if all of the trees were like ours.
This is simply my way of noticing something small in my life--especially at a stressful time for us, when it seems like everything we think about is so huge--and being thankful for the bit of beauty it brings into my day. It's my way of being thankful during this season when we try to remember not what we don't have but all that we do. It's also my way of believing in God's hands working in the world---perhaps, on a rough day, He wanted me to experience this sign from Him that all will be well, that He is near.
Have you given thanks recently for something small in your life? I'd love to hear about it.
p.s. I have something very exciting planned for tomorrow--so please check back!
Fall is my favorite time of year with all the leaves changing color. It always puts a smile on my face and I'm glad it did the same for you :). Have a great day and HE is with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Leshia, this was an encouraging comment to read.
DeleteI keep a daily gratitude journal - at the end of every day, I write down one (or many) things for which I am thankful to God. Sometimes they are as small as the way the light hits to wooden floor, or the feeling of warm water as it flows over my fingers when I wash my hands. Other times I offer praise for the "big" things - but either way, it helps me recognize the multitude of blessings I am given. His mercies truly are new every morning.
ReplyDeleteCecelia, what a lovely idea. I love those small things you mention. It's wonderful that in you're in the habit of being thankful and writing it down. It will be fun to go back and read your thoughts someday, too.
DeleteBeautiful! I am always trying to take photos of the trees or a bird, and they never look as gorgeous as they do in real life. It's so encouraging to read about small things that are really meaningful. Today, even though it's chilly out, the sun is gloriously shining. It just makes everything feel better when the sun is out.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Chilly but sunny, perfect.
DeleteSo good to looks for the bits of beauty like that! Sorry if it's a stressful time for you. This afternoon I saw my little baby girl pick up her teddy bear and gracefully dance to a German choir singing on the Rick Steves program. It was only for a moment but it was sweet and tender and a few tears of gratitude streamed down my face.
ReplyDeleteHave you read "One Thousand Gifts"? I would highly recommend it!
That sounds like the cutest thing--it made me smile when I read this. I haven't read that book but have heard from a few people (and Mary Katherine too, below) that it's good. I will have to get it!
DeleteI agree with SarahLinne. "One Thousand Gifts" is a beautiful and encouraging book.
ReplyDeleteThe fall leaves sound beautiful.
They are! :)
DeleteWhat a beautiful reminder Kate...to take time to cherish those moments of thankfulness for the displays of His glory and favor all around us!
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