A Thankful Heart

Rainy days. I love to hear the rain on the windows. It reminds me of when I was a small child - we would hear the rain beat on the window pane and then a light ping, ping, ping on the glass... and then the sky cleared, leaving behind only puddles in the gutter and on the sidewalk.  We'd beg to go outside, shoeless, and splash in the puddles.  Spring is here.

Today was a rainy morning giving way to a sunny afternoon.  The little guy and I had our day planned - after breakfast we set up his play tent and sleeping bag, rounded up all the trucks, and we played in the tent.  Then just before lunch we put our culinary skills to work and baked chocolate chip cookies together...(whole wheat, dark chocolate chip cookies).  After lunch and nap we were planning on working on the letter L.  The sun came out, so that meant it was time to go outside and play.  That we did. And we talked to Grandpa and Grandma. Then it was time for dinner, then bath, read some books, and bedtime with prayers.

Simple days. Gifts from the Lord.  Thankfulness in my heart.  As you know I have been reading A Thousand Gifts...Ann is writing down things that she is thankful for - a thousand things....all gifts from God.  So I thought, what a great idea I think I am going to do the same. It's a great reminder that EVERYTHING comes from the Lord and everything is a gift.  Even in the tough times. We may have to look a little harder to see the gift, but it's there. 

Today's thanks (the short list) -
A little who is scared of thunder and runs to be curled in my arms
A little who drinks hot green tea and eat eggs in the morning to help start his day right
Rain
Tents and sleeping bags and an imagination that is just getting started
Sunshine
Nap time and a little who grabs hold and pulls you down next to him to nap beside him and won't let go
Spontaneous hugs and kisses
Parents - and their love and support - saying something that blew the doors off me...."as you guys wait...no...as we wait...we are in this with you...we are waiting for our baby from Ethiopia too"
A Father's love - reminding me of Psalm 130 and about hope
A Mother's love - who totally "gets" her daughter
A little who want to snuggle after he eats his dinner
Laughter during bath time
Prayers
Children who are in our hearts
A husband who I am totally crazy in love with
And the most important thanks for not only today, but every day - A God who promises, who can be counted on, can be trusted, who holds us in the palm of his hand and who gives us good gifts

Here's a song of Psalm 130 that I have on my iPod...



{Here's a hint: you can download it free at NoiseTrade too}

Scripture reminds us over and over that in all things, give thanks.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
          His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles.
          His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully.
          His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters.
          His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights -
          His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136: 3-7

A thankful heart. A list of thanks in black and white. The promise that His faithful love endures forever.