It is something that I constantly try to instill in my children.
To be grateful. To not always feel a sense of entitlement. To be aware of blessings.
On our way back from our camping trip this past weekend, the DVD player in the car wasn't working. You would have thought it was the end of the world. What could they possibly do to pass the time?
Steve and I told them that when we were kids, there were no TVs in cars. We just had to drive. The horror! Because of all the grumbling, we took the opportunity to list things we were grateful for. Then asked each of them to tell 3 things. I thought it was such a simple exercise, that I told them I would ask them each day what their 3 things were and they couldn't be the same. I wanted them to steer clear of big, obvious things like family, electronics :) and friends so that they could be aware of small things like: jam on their bread, or a kind word, or a clean room, or someone sharing with them, or having books to read, sunshine on their faces. Small and simple things that often times get overlooked when you are griping about things that you don't have that seem big but really aren't.
I've been sad because I really, really, really wanted to take a trip to Boston in October. However, that would not be practical. Such is life. We have tried to take a trip just the two of us each year. This is now year 3 with no trip. Poor pitiful me. haha! Not really.
I need a new camera. I have outgrown mine. The one I want is super expensive. Ain't happening.
That granite counter top remodel, um yeah, we used that money to live this summer.
Basically, life's rough. Money's tight. So we can choose to be happy or not.
I was starting to sound like my kids, so I took my own advice.
Today I was grateful for:
1. Going to the dentist and not having to pay one cent. Of course we are paying for the insurance that covers us, but we have never had dental insurance and I always have to fork out at least $500 just for cleanings for the kids only. I was smiling so big. I even had to get some fillings redone, which wasn't fun. But I was grateful.
2. Picking up my laminated folders for preschool from Office Max and being charged $20 because they are running a sale this week. I usually have to pay $70. Super stoked about that.
3. My last spot in preschool being filled today. It was a long time coming, but I knew things would work out.
Obviously preschool is on the brain. I've been working like a madwoman in anticipation of seeing those cute little faces. I feel incredibly blessed to have a small source of income. It has been a blessing to help relieve financial monthly stress.
So, what are you grateful for?
