Monday, July 8, 2013

The Silver Lining

(A Gratimoment Mug)

Simple moments of thanks……..or as my friend Stacy Voss would say, Gratimoments.

Sometimes the things we’re thankful for or find pleasure in seem silly to others. For example, our son installed a new toilet in my husband’s bathroom the other day and we take great delight in flushing it. Who could find joy in flushing a toilet? Anyone who’s old toilet required that you stand there holding the handle down for a good twenty seconds so it would flush. Now it’s a tap of the handle and “whoosh” – gone instantly! Dave’s offered to buy me one for my bathroom for my birthday next month!

Another simple delight was getting a gun safe for my husband the other (his birthday present) and putting our old gun cabinet on Craigslist. It went quickly, but not for the cash I asked for it. My first responder asked if we’d be willing to trade for something. Like what? I asked. I’d not thought about a trade at all. He responded with a suggestion that made Dave do a double take. He’s been wanting an air hockey table in the basement for quite a while now, for the grandkids, of course. (wink, wink) It’s in great condition and it’s a blast to play – and it was the answer to a desire of Dave’s heart. Can it get better?

We needed more yellow paint to touch-up, and I dreaded matching the paint to a new can, and paying for more than I actually needed. Upon searching my garage to find the old can – I discovered the can half full, even though I know I used the last of it the last time I touched up.

Or…..
Finding something you’ve misplaced before you go out and buy a new one
Finding cash in an old coat pocket
Putting a smile on someone else’s face
A great night’s sleep
A new blossom on your favorite plant
An out-of-the-blue compliment
A rainbow
Figuring out who-dunnit before the end of the movie (or book)
Winning a game
Making it to the ladies room in time
That first sip of coffee in the morning
An unexpected sale price
A hug
A touch
Your scale being especially kind to you this morning
A long waited for visit
Your favorite song coming on the radio when you actually have time to listen
A cool breeze
The smell of the ocean – or rain
A child’s giggle
Not being criticized by someone who generally does
A good secret
A lazy day
Someone else’s good news
Divine revelation
New socks
A great meal – that someone else cooked
Pajamas warm from the dryer
Eye contact with someone you love
Figuring something out on your own

What would you add to the list?

For all these things and so many more, I thank You Jesus!

Psalm 100:3 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (KJV)

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV)





7 comments:

  1. It is a simple, yet important goal in my life to always feel and express gratitude.
    Thank you for sharing your ponderings, Helen.
    Love,
    Nancy Daily

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  2. Those are all amazing things. I'll add great friends and kisses from my Bubba to the list.

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  3. Awesome post. Seeing the smiles on my children's face as they jump into a cool pool at the Y I must add was a beautiful pleasure. :)

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  4. Thank you, ladies! I love the idea that this list is absolutely endless!

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  5. I go to Denver 3 times a week for therapy on my legs. This in itself is a HUGE blessing from God and the therapist is exactly like the person I prayed for when I asked God to guide me to the right place for healing years ago! Welll, I've been seeing her and her assistant for about 5 months and she told me early on that she had just found out that she was pregnant with her first child. I get to see her the entire pregnancy and hear the changes and movements and progressions of the baby! These are such huge blessings to me. Another family I get to pray for and God's healing shared through this kind soul that God has aligned for great healing. Maybe these aren't the "littlle" things but I wanted to share just a few things I'm thankfull at this very moment!

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  6. Helen, I love the Phil 4:8 scripture. I definitely needed that now.

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  7. Marie - that's a whole lotta blessings wrapped in to the phrase "therapy". Sounds like God's using you to bless your therapist, too! You're blessed! You're blessed! You're blessed! I love you, lady!

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