Gratitude even in the storm

Okay, so I admit, I've been a grouch the last month or so.  I don't like complication.  I don't like things overlapping on my calendar.  I don't like not sleeping well.  I don't like it when my hormones get unbalanced. I don't like state testing when it negatively affects my four year olds.  I don't like having to keep those four year olds quiet all day for four days out of the month for such state testing when a big part of their curriculum is socialization and learning how to talk and communicate effectively.  I don't like it when I hear one too many voices in the hallway outside my classroom that I end up blowing up at absolutely everyone in the hallway.

I don't like filing an extension on my taxes because I don't like being late for anything.  I don't like waiting on government paperwork, and I don't like being so flustered that I get behind on my other appointments.  I don't like feeling like my weekly ladies' bible study is a burden rather than the joy I've always known it to be.  I don't like planning a trip months in advance, only to have two soccer schedules invade all my best laid plans for my boys.  I don't like my husband's schedule being different every week because it throws the whole family out of whack, including the crazy dogs. I don't like watching my husband suffer because his truck and all of the belongings inside got stolen by some idiot who set out to hurt any random person who had a truck he wanted.

None of these things are life threatening or even worth my griping (okay, maybe the truck), but when they all add up together, they can put me in a pretty cranky mood.  Add hormones to that, and watch out!

However, a friend posted someone else's blog entry on facebook this week, and it helped me put it all back into perspective. Be thankful in all things.  Yes, all things.  What other choice do we have?  (Stop right now and read her post. You won't regret it.

http://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/lori-freeland/

I don't know the author very well, but I've been praying for her.  I thought of her this morning on my drive to Fort Worth, and I decided to take her advice.  I spent the entire drive just thanking God for everything I could think of, even the hard stuff.  She inspired me.

I pulled up in the parking lot at the conference, got out of my car, and found myself greeting none other than that very author. What a blessing to be able to share with her how she had blessed me this morning.