Gratitude. Is it as hard for you to embrace as a habit as it is for me?
I’m more naturally a whiner, I guess. I hate to say it but complaining seems so cathartic to me – at the time I’m doing it – that I’ve allowed grousing to become ingrained in my Debbie fiber. Yeah, it’s kind of self-soothing to pat my own widdle head and commiserate about my aches and pains and stiff joints over a cup of hot chai.
The old gray mare remembers what she used to be. And mourns the loss.
The gray mare conundrum has been painfully apparent over the past two weeks while I’ve spent some time with my NC grands. They’re all three into tennis now (I like to think I had some influence there) and compete in honest-to-goodness tennis tournaments all over the east coast.
The 13-year-old has far surpassed my level. But he’s so tender-hearted, when he plays against me, he omits the wicked topspin and hits the ball right TO me, rather than witness the pathetic spectacle of me running after the ball. (“Run” is relative, you know; waddle is probably more accurate.)
Hey, I can still keep up with the 9-year-old twins, but just barely. 
So the temptation for me is to whine. About my arthritic toe, my newly replaced knees that don’t seem to know they’re not supposed to hurt anymore, about chronic fatigue, sleeplessness, my inability to shed those extra pounds that plague my bones. There’s just something terribly demoralizing about having to buy jeans a size larger when your muffin top spills over the waistband like a waterfall.
But I don’t want to whine anymore. Maybe my outsides are whine-worthy, but my insides yearn to be a thing of beauty and a joy forever (as my granny used to say). My spirit doesn’t have to reflect the darkness of the yucky stuff I wallow in. No, I choose to shine with the glow of gratitude to my Creator for His marvelous works. Even the marvelous work that is me.
A warm breath, a steady heartbeat, blood flowing, brain working (mostly), a house to live in, people I love and who love me, a doggy friend to cuddle, a church family, heart friends, chocolate, Cheetos, and sunshine to feel on my skin. For starters. So much to be grateful for. So much to dwell on … if I choose to.
That’s why my heart was so touched by the reminder to “give THANKS” that my twin grands made me yesterday. Awww. I don’t mind white paint drips here and there. It’s the color of love. The handmade sign is not only sweet and thoughtful, it’s timely and much needed. And lit up … so that I can’t not notice it hanging on the wall.
To make every day Thanksgiving.
How about you, dear BFF (Blessed Friend Forever)? Are you ever tempted to overlook everyday gratitude and dwell on all the whine-worthy stuff instead? How do you make every day Thanksgiving? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Oh yeah, my friend…you are so blessed. Those grands are so sweet. You know all the rave is in Pickle Ball, whatever that is…maybe we could start something new…”Hobble Ball”! 🙂
You’re a genius, Linda! Most of my cronies I play pickleball with should be playing Hobbleball instead! I love it! You should map out some rules and copyright it! (But be sure to use a huge paddle the size of a trashcan lid!)
I appreciate your devotion above, Debora and yes, I do have to remind myself of things I can be and am grateful for daily! Trying to give myself grace as I age is a challenge at times! 🙂 God bless your writing ministry!
I hear THAT, Diane! I echo your spot-on statement, “Trying to give myself grace as I age is a challenge at times!” Amen and amen. I appreciate your sweet blessing about my writing ministry – heaven only knows I need all the blessings I can get! Hugs to you, dear BFF! (Do you prefer to be called Patricia or Diane?)
I am reminded of Exodus when I begin to murmur and complain… what should had been 13 day trip, it took 40 years becuae of their complaints, murmurs and whining. So I quickly begin to praise God…and thank Him… I set my clock at 12am, 3am, 6am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, and 9pm just to thank Him and pray to Him…. it helps me to reflect on His Goodness. Also, we are wonderfully and delicately made, which, again, I am quick to ponder the work, the detail, and the time God placed in me to create me! Wow! It is very humbling! GOD took the time to create my hair, eyes, body, legs, arms, veins, arteries, my organs/muscles… etc and that is just somewhat of it… GOD IS AMAZING! HE IS WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE AT ALL TIMES!!! By the way, I look forward to your posts every Friday! Makes me smile amd warms my heart.
I love your idea of thankfulness reminder alarms, Julie! I’ve always been an advocate of putting important things on your schedule, but hadn’t thought of actually setting alarms. Clever girl! Thank you so, so, so much for your encouraging words about my blog posts – I’m tardy getting them up sometimes, but I love hearing feedback from you and my other BFFs with them as a catalyst. Hugs! And many thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts!