So I am grateful that a few of them were cleaned out this weekend and organization is restored.

I am grateful for approximately 40 books wrapped for Christmas.

I am grateful for the sound of a little boy saying, “I wanna sit by Rhonda,” at The Peanuts Movie and then hearing him laugh loud for the next hour and a half.

I am grateful for those three little boys – my selfish “ticket” to Friday evening at the movie.

I am grateful for hot cocoa foam on top.

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. – Philippians 4:8 (The Message)

I am grateful for a dirty dust rag, a sign of productivity.

I am grateful for a lawn mow in November so that there will be fewer leaves to rake.

I am grateful for a drive without radio.

I am grateful for sunbeams in the kitchen.

I am grateful for long phone calls with Karissa and Katrina.

I am grateful for Sunday messages that make me re-evaluate and spark conviction.

I am grateful for the students in my life right now. I love hugs from Grace and Albert and kind words from Anna and walking with Fabien and seeing Sophia.

I am grateful for breakfast with my CASA girl.

And I am grateful for this past week of refrain. It has forced me to reflect on motive, on priority, on the negative words and thoughts that permeate.