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Finding the bright side.
I had equipment malfunction problems this weekend, and wrote a brilliant post about the Death of a Keyboard.
(Goodbye keyboard, you served me well.)
But then last night an email that showed up in my in-box that made my keyboard bit suddenly read more like whining than brilliant sarcasm.
My keyboard of 5 years is dead, but on the 1-5 scale of tragedies it rates about .001. So, no complaining today. Instead I’m going to be thankful.
I am thankful…
.. for the husband who complains when his dinner is not on time, because it means he is home with me, not with someone else.
.. for the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes, because it means she/he is at home, not on the streets.
.. for the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.
.. for the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.
.. for a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.
.. for all the complaining I hear about the Government, because it means we have freedom of speech.
.. for the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking, and that I have been blessed with transportation.
.. for the lady behind me in church that sings off key, because it means that I can hear.
.. for the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.
.. for weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard and using those limbs.
.. for the alarm that goes off in the early morning, because it means that I am alive.
…. for too much e-mail, because it means I have friends who are thinking of me and are trying to make me smile even when they are out of touch..
And my own – … for hands that can still type, and a mind that can ask “what if”, because it means that I can still spend my days chasing my dream.
It can be hard to see the bright side to a down moment, but if we look hard enough it is usually there. How about you? Is there anything you’re especially thankful for?
Ember Case is chasing her dream, one story at a time. Find her at http://embercase.com
What a great message! I try to do this as well – mine goes more like “I’m thankful for laundry because it means I have kids who still have clothes that fit them.”
There are many things for which to be grateful – including a new keyboard – and yours is a good list.
I’m grateful for my family, my Church, and the foresight God gave us that allowed us to be able to deal with our recent challenges.
You are so right on with all of these, and I needed the reminder today. Thank you.
Yep, it really does drive things home when you are confronted with a few harsh realities. But it’s so lovely that you can see that as an opportunity to re-evaluate and appreciate!!
How many of us have acquaintences who can’t? If you’ve been to the moon, they’ve been twice and all tragedies are “nothing compared to _insert_whiny_self_indulgence_here.”
Kudos to your for your thankfulness and caring! Blessings to those who are hurting.
Brilliant post.
I forget so often. Thanks for this.
Wow. Simple and beautiful reminders for all of us. Thanks for sharing these. Every now and then we all need a little pinch to put things in perspective.
Beautiful post!
Well said. And you’re right, it’s much easier to remember and nitpick over the bad things that we forget about the simple stuff. Thanks!
You could be thankful for the death of the keyboard because it means you’ve been working hard.
Thanks for the great post, Ember. My week has been a bit discouraging, and this is a reminder that I have so much to be thankful for in my life.
LOL – Alice.
Great list, Ember! We should all make lists like this to remind us of the many things we take for granted. :)
Wow. You made me cry. Thank you. So many of those same thoughts could be mine, if only I remember to be thankful in stead of cranky. So, I’m thankful for you, because you made me check myself and be aware of all I have.
What a beautiful post. Every night before I go to sleep, I lie in bed and list all the things I’m greatful for. Makes me realize how blessed I trulyam.