I’ve long thought that gratitude chases away the gimmes. The more grateful you are with what you’ve already got, the less likely you are to desire something out of your grasp. When I actually stop, sit down, and reflect I oftentimes realize that I have a really good life. I have good friends, a good husband, good kids, and a good story. Good is good. Don’t get me wrong, I do have dark days or days when I feel like I’m less than. However, I thought it would be useful to share three things I’m giving thanks for today.
1) The book Parenting Beyond Your Capacity. We’ve been reading this book with our Life Group from church. No matter the age of your children, this book is worth your time. The authors are honest, filled with humility, and approach the oftentimes overwhelming job of parenting with a large dose of grace. Plus it’s humorous and thought provoking at the same time. If you’re looking for a good read on the topic of parenting, this should be at the top of your list.
2) Quality Time Spent With the King of Free. Labor Day weekend feels like a million miles ago right now but the King of Free and I had a solid 24 hours without the Princesses. While I love my girls with a fierce mama bear love and they fill my life with joy unspeakable, I fell in love with my husband first. In our journey of becoming debt free, life has been filled with long hours of work for him, busyness of chasing kiddos for me (and oh yeah, blogging). For awhile I began to feel like the only conversations we had dealt with either finances, the girls, or areas where we were serving at church. It filled my heart and head with doubts about the direction we were heading. So when we had the chance to have the Princesses stay at respective grandparental homes, we snapped it up. What did we do that was so spectacular? Um, he worked and I clipped coupons and blogged. I know, not exactly starry eyed gazing over a romantic dinner but it was still great to do those things together in the same room. We also had a couple of great conversations, visited some friends, and did a little shopping together (where we had a Target Couponing experience that made me want to claw my eyeballs out but that’s another story for another day).
3) Working Out. I mentioned on Buff on a Budget a few weeks back that we had gotten a membership at a local church’s fitness center. It’s only $100 for our entire family for the year (SCORE) which translates to less than $10 a month. And it’s already paid in dividends. I am a better mother, a better wife, a better friend, a better blogger, a better person when I work out. I know it, but it doesn’t always change my behavior. Now if only it would translate into a better housekeeper. Meh. Honestly, I’m not even sure that’s a goal I want to achieve. But that’s another story for another day. Anyway, due to taking some classes (Spinning FTW at 5:15 AM this morning) I’ve also been able to run more and do more period.
What about you? What are three things you’re thankful for right now? They can be simple or they can be complex but we all have blessings. And remembering what they are will keep your life and your checkbook well balanced.
This post does contain an affiliate link. So while you’re ordering a great book on parenting at a low price, you’re also helping the Royal Family pay off debt more quickly. And for that, we royally thank you.
www.queenoffree.net