My "Thankful" List

I haven't been blogging so much lately, mainly because our life doesn't have a lot of funny things going on at the moment. I always like reading the blogs that make me chuckle and cause me to remember good times I've had in the past. The things I'm recalling from my past at this stage of the game aren't always pleasant, but, oddly enough, I don't feel frightened by that. Maybe I'm naive, or just plain stupid. But I'm believing that my future exceeds my past. I know I never go through things alone. God is ever present, and we're surrounded by a host of friends and family who love us and care deeply for us. Thank God for that!

Here are some things I'm in the process of learning:

1. Things that used to bug me (like Don's snoring at night) look totally different to me when viewed from my present perspective. Now, when he snores, I thank God that he's beside me in bed. Nevermind that he's a bit NOISY!

2. Family and friends mean everything. Petty differences simply don't matter in the light of life and death. Although I may not agree, I can at least learn to tolerate.

3. Even in the darkest of days, God brings a ray of sunshine. Hope, in the midst of hopelessness. Laughter at the door of the tomb. Peace on a stormy sea. It's all there, but I may have to look for it.

4. I can say "no" to requests that cause me to be overloaded and extend me to the breaking point. Even more important, I can do so in such a way as to not offend. I've grown up feeling I needed to take on every task put before me. Not so. I'm neither qualified nor able to stretch myself that tightly anymore. Both Don and I deserve better of me.

5. Don't sweat the small stuff. Some things simply don't matter in the overall scheme of things.

6. Applaud the heroes. My dad was a hero. In the face of the terrible disease he had (the same one we're facing with Don now), Dad never lost his smile or sense of humor. He was a man of great integrity. My mom is my hero. I've never seen anyone deal with opposition and trouble with more finesse or grace. She made caring for Dad almost look easy, which it certainly was not. My brother is my hero. Despite having Parkinson's, he's ALWAYS fantastic. Just ask him!! You simply can't keep Gary down. My honey is quickly taking his place among my heroes. Complain about his circumstances? Wouldn't think of it. Stop living and enjoying the things he loves (like bluegrass on the first Monday evening of the month at Burger King)? Never happen. Clap. Clap. Clap. Hope you can hear the applause, my heroes.

7. Trouble never lasts forever. What seems insurmountable today will be only a memory tomorrow. Thank God for tomorrows!

Maybe I'll have a funny story to share soon. But, at the moment, we're simply surviving with grace. And that's a feat!