My thoughts and gratefuls and intentions these days are like a jumbled mess of Christmas lights – beautiful but not doing much good unless I untangle the thoughts and string them together to make some sense.

I’ve missed so many opportunities to list every. last. thing. one by one. They will come across this page somewhere in the future in the form of a memory, I suppose. Truth be told, I have allowed my work to take over my priorities, and I cannot seem to organize my time very well as 2018 begins. I am behind on cards sent, on gifts packaged and mailed, on tasks completed, on packing to move, on exercise and walking 15,000 steps, on cleaning houses, on reading books, on keeping in touch, and most importantly, on solitude and prayer time.

I’m so glad God accepts me as I am. Just as I am. And the sun rises new every morning, and I have another opportunity to get it right, one more time.

So.

I am grateful for the “new” grandfather clock that is now working and singing to me every half hour today. It’s a new pleasant sound, and it makes Sam so very happy, so it makes me happy, too.

I am grateful for a post my daughter added to her Facebook about her stepdad. Just reading her acknowledgement made me cry such happy tears.

I am grateful for a beautiful lunch time to run to the grocery store to get the ingredients for stew tonight while we watch a ballgame.

I am grateful for a call from my sister this morning to tell me her awful news, and a Skype message from a co-worker who needs lots of prayer as her husband battles a grave illness. As God answered our prayer this past weekend with Sam’s complete healing, He also gives us the privilege of supporting others…

I am grateful for extra hugs from my Dad yesterday when we said “goodbye.” His sweet birthday message to me was unforgettable.

I am grateful for a bald eagle that soared just above our vehicle last week as we drove. She was beautiful.

I am grateful for my daughter who calls me often and includes me in her life and her “reality show.” I called my mom often and depended on her to be excited for me when I had good news and depended on her to be devastated with me when I was on the receiving end of yuck. And she was. She had just the right amount of emotion for my sensitive state of mind. I want to be that for my girls, too. I still find myself wanting to pick up the phone and call Mom – she was always my first call.

I am grateful for a house in progress. It’s so much better than a house in stand still.

I am grateful for cinnamon bears.

I am grateful for Geri’s message this morning and her reminder to read Psalm 103, one of my most favorite passages in the Bible.

I am grateful for grandchild artwork hanging in my work space.

I am grateful that it will snow this week, but today, my bedroom window is open and I am listening to laughter and fun in the park across the street as I work.

I am grateful for Dad’s “last year” devotional from Patsy and Charlie.

And I am grateful for friends who’ve asked where I’ve been.