PS.107:1 Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever.

WANNA MAKE YOUR CUP HALF FULL?

Everyday, as I do my devotions, I write down something that I’m thankful for. A Gratitude Journal is an amazing tool.

Blessings occur daily, when you are a tune to recognizing them. Sometimes they are mammoth: 46 years married to a loving, Christian man. Oh, we’ve had our issues maturing together. However, he is still my greatest blessing, along with our 3 sons, daughter-in-law, and grandsons.

Often when we recognize our blessings, they are small: an azure sky, a sunset, a flower, the smile from a newborn babe, a bird song, change of seasons and color.

As a former teacher, I often experienced a plethora of blessings within a day; laughter, hugs, love, aha moments, and satisfaction that I made a difference.

However, how does one become grateful during ill health or tragedy? My sister has been a widow for four and a half years. Currently, she is struggling with some health issues of her own.

Despite all of the tragedy in her life, she is an upbeat person. She has worked hard to regain her health to a certain level and is rallying.

After the demise of her husband she’d comment, ”We are so blessed. Through the positive choices that we both made during our lives, God has truly blessed us.”

Even during dark periods within your life, there are things to be thankful for: faith, family friends, living in the greatest country in the world.

Trust me when I say Mr. Moo Cow and Mrs. Kindergarten Teacher struggled a lot: serious health issues after birthing 3 sons, building a home, supporting and loving a man who was working 24/7 to build a life for all of us. God brought me out of the darkness and into the light. He totally took me apart and put me back the way He wanted me to be.

Today has been an awesome day! I am now retired after teaching for 37 years. All the schools were closed due to a snowstorm. I’ve been cooking, writing, watching Grandpa on the back-hoe cleaning the driveway, and giggling while watching Petie and Sadie rolling around in the snow.

Those cute Chocolate Lab Pups keep a sense of happy in this household. Right now, after their wild romp in the snow, they are sound asleep at my feet.

So I challenge you. Even if you are at a struggling point in your life, try sitting down and creating a list of your blessings. Soak your weary brain in the Psalms. It’ll truly bring sunshine to your life.

Father, thank you for the sunshine, the rain, the snow and the storms. Each of these bring something new with it. Today was snow and the opportunity to get some things done, but more importantly it was a chance to see You in my world and life. I pray everyone has the opportunity to see You!

In Jesus name, Amen

Sue Cutler

Fearless Faith.