I really didn’t like the cold, biting wind walking in to work this morning, so I need to be grateful for the cold, biting wind.

Because without a little wind, wind chimes would be silent.

Because without a little wind, exercise would be even more unpleasant.

Because without a little wind, kites could not fly, sailboats could not sail, and windmills could not turn.

Because without a little wind, my body wouldn’t have need to brace itself and gain strength.

Because without the wind, I wouldn’t have need for my warm coat, gloves, or scarf.

Because without the cold wind, I wouldn’t have the pleasure of breathing in that crisp air that seems to clean out and fill up my lungs.

Because without the wind, I wouldn’t have that extra reminder that God is always with me, even if I can’t see Him.

I am grateful for the chickadees that might have discovered there is food at the table this morning. They are curious, I believe, but haven’t sat down and pulled up a chair just yet.

When everything seems to be going against you,
remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.
– Henry Ford

I am grateful for the quiet of the night in front of the fire, watching a video of Mom that I discovered on my phone, taken one year ago.

I am grateful for memories of this day last year, playing hymns for Mom on the borrowed keyboard from church/choir, and accompanying for Karissa in the living room of the apartment so she could sing for her Grandma one more time.

I am grateful for select-a-size paper towels.

I am grateful for a full tank of gas this morning – thank you, Sam.

I am grateful for a belated birthday voicemail from Steve.

I am grateful for the opportunity this evening to celebrate Abbie and participate in a fun evening with her and her friends.

I am grateful for memories of Anissa walking around in the apartment last year, wearing GG’s pink fuzzy slippers.

I am grateful for wild rice/pasta/chicken soup that Joyce shared with me for lunch.

And I am grateful that I have a thankful heart today, that I am not worrying about tomorrow, that I am able to look for miracles and blessings in the most mundane of days. I am grateful that I am living above my circumstances while living in the midst of them. This song is playing on my internal jukebox today:

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow