GRATITUDE IN THE MESS: Turn your bad day around

FRUSTRATION FIESTA!

Today did not go as planned!...Actually most of this week did not work out the way I hoped or intended!

1 little thing after another! Irritations, time wasters, disappointments, concerns to respond to, problems...drip, drip, drip...

I actually cried for a self pitied minute in the car! A squeeze out of absorbed exasperation!

But at the end of this lengthy week feeling like I took steps forward, backward and around in circles, we sat together at the dinner table and each shared something to be thankful for....

A hot homecooked meal together with those I love most.

The gift of life, when so many are struggling.

A home, a bed, electricity and clean water; mindful of evacuated families in Batangas camping out in basketball courts unable to return to their homes, jobs, schools because of volcano dangers.

Showers and soap!

Clean pajamas to wear!

I was also humbled to listen to our children share moments of helping others this week; One who helped a blind elderly lady, paid her jeepney fare and walked her across the street to find the public bathroom.

Another who stopped and sat down to listen to a pregnant mother. One who shared their snacks with a classmate who forgot to bring food. One who spent an hour drawing a special picture just to cheer someone up.

I need these reminders of what really matters, and what counts most! Focus is lost and perspective is found in the same location....right where I am standing!

As I open my heart and lift my eyes, the mini disasters I have grumbled & focused on fade....paler and less significant.

"Give thanks in all circumstances...."

Not give thanks FOR the circumstances...but from that uncomfortable place of messy, mucky, sticky challenges, right inside the centre of it all......find gratitude!