Thankful

Thankful for all the delights of a full day.

Thankful for Cabin John State Park and our train ride through the forest with the breeze on our faces. Thankful for Susanna sitting close to me but still scooting closer to the side where she could see out. Thankful for Ella Grace and Miriam sitting close giggling like it was magical. Thankful to see Ella Grace collecting acorns and filling her pockets and mine. Thankful to see Miriam and Susanna pretending to be train conductors on the playground. Thankful Ella Grace and I just sit and watch all the bees drink out of someone’s left over drink, her nuzzled up to me. Thankful for our belly laughs at the pink pig trash can that snorts when you put trash in it.Thankful for the church musical David and Goliath. Thankful to hear "this is the best time of my life." Thankful for the truth in that story. Thankful for David's confidence and boldness as an exemplary example. Thankful for strength in meekness, just like Jesus. Thankful for God's saving grace and power in my life. Thankful for extra time to spare before heading home. Thankful for a new gelato place to eat the best ice-cream. Thankful for the park near the gelato place to run off some energy and play in the rain and make new friends. Thankful for the bench to sit and watch my kids play and laugh. Thankful for Maryland and this town we live in. Thankful that there is always something new and exciting to do.
Thankful for left over tacos and an easy meal set up. Thankful for hungry, sleepy children ready to end a busy day. Thankful for my new book Everyday Graces that we read tonight. Thankful for children asking for more. Thankful for the chance to serve my little ones by bathing them and scrubbing the dirt off their bodies. Thankful for Miriam’s desire to blow-dry hair and her laughing while brushing her teeth because it tickled. Thankful I was laughing too. Thankful for Noah's Ark toy that Susanna happily played with. Thankful for being reminded that I forgot to pray before bed and thankful for the opportunity to freely pray with these little ones. Thankful for Ella Grace's prayer request that she will "always love God."
Thankful for dirty dishes to clean and the silence of my kitchen when the last dish is washed. Thankful for a full day filled with many delights. Thankful to end my day thankful because I certainly did not wake up thankful. Thankful for the Lord’s sweet nudging to bring me to this place in my heart of overwhelming thankfulness.