September 2016 Gratitude

1. Watching Della run to us across the yard, tongue lolling, ears flopped over in exuberant greeting- wondering if I ever feel that excited about anything

2. Della gaining enough self-control to lay beside us on her blanket while we do other things- like type gratitude entries in this blog

3. Having a gift for party planning and seeing the details come together (even if the cake wasn't exactly what I had envisioned); Having people enjoy fellowship in our home and around our table (even if I'm not the greatest cook); Taking walks down memory lane together via 50th Wedding Anniversary slideshows

4.  Watching a sky full of stars over the lake from a pontoon boat- not setting the houses on fire with our wishing lanterns

5. Hearing the morning frogs and crickets chirp choruses of Your praise

6. The cool fall air in the beginning of autumn- sensing change in the air

7. Both sides of our family being able to gather together for holidays and celebrations; Hoping our kids will want to celebrate  sometimes with us when they are grown

8. Seeing a window of opportunity to rest on the schedule when I feel so depleted

9. Hearing You call to me when I am worried and upset about many things. Choosing to sit with You instead of fly around and "get things done".

10. Recognizing Your provision in opening up a date night for us- knowing whom to thank when serendipitous moments occur

11. Going on a drive with  my family- Tom and Jerry soundtrack in the front seats and the kids watch a DVD in the back; everyone together: plugged into their various devices, but present and fairly amiable; driving through a tunnel of oaks in the low country on the way to Edisto; ; Watching the live oak boughs frame wedding vows of my young friend and former college student; happy to see their sweet faces again all grown up

12. Sitting on the back porch with Della in the cooler temperatures watching the wind ripple on the pond and through the willows; freedom from harm

13. Laughter around the table as we celebrate Betsy and Tina's September birthdays

14.  A kind doctor to examine B's bruise (and it not being a fracture)

15. A salon treatment to help my hair stay soft and not turn into a dry brillo pad

16. Walking alone in our house barefoot in a few hours of silence; doing chores and accomplishing tasks in the quiet

17. Bible study with like-minded women that I can learn from

18. Going to see My Fair Lady at the theatre and being so proud of my friend's "loverly" job; tri-generational girls night out

19. Friends who will pray over me and cry with me when I am overwhelmed with the pace of this season of life

20. Youth leaders who give of their time to meet my girls at Cookout on a Sunday night

21. Teachers who have kids do most of the presentation work in class

22. Watching an episode of a new show on our laptop- a treat, not a daily indulgence

23. Savoring additional moments with you, God, through a devotional

24. Laying down on the driveway star-gazing with Della; enjoying both my smallness and connectivity to the Greatest One

25.  Being able to encourage a new mom, a young worship leader, and a woman struggling in her marriage- realizing that middle age does have some benefits

26. Waking up ready to dance- sensing You shift my mood towards joy

27. Reading "I will love you forever" in our shared journal

28. Della's excitement when I say the word "inside?"- romping and leaping in the grass, running ahead to the back door

29. Teenaged B asking for a hug when I woke him up from school- surprising my socks off

30. A make-up hug after a disagreement