I have heard so many people complain about the snow this week. We have a lot on the ground right now and a lot more to come, apparently. Funny thing is, these past few years, people complained that we hardly had a winter.

A few weeks ago, my granddaughters took their place at my bathroom mirror, standing patiently while I straightened their very curly hair. We talked about how they have such beautiful curly hair, but they want straight hair like Ama and Mom, and how I want their beautiful curly hair, but I am stuck with straight.

It’s kind of a thing with the human species. We always want what we don’t have. So today…

I am grateful I do not have curly hair that is always a tangle.

I am grateful that our town is covered in beautiful diamond white snow instead of dirty dusty.

I am grateful there are pieces of firewood dirt scattered all over the floor, because it means we have firewood and are using our fireplace in the midst of this winter wonderland.

I am grateful my clothes are too tight, because it just means I eat well.

I am grateful Sam has cancer and we have so much to pray about – it just makes us realize how little control we have and how big our God really is.

I am grateful that songs make me cry right now – it means I have a heart full of emotion.

I am grateful for interruptions in my busy work day so that I have to work longer or begin earlier. It just means that a granddaughter needed to text with me, my daughter needed to catch me up on life, or a friend needed to reach out for a few minutes.

I am grateful that our small town USA neighbors and friends have rallied with snow shoveling and meals and offers of assistance, even though it is so hard to admit we need some extra support – it means our circle is tightening and becoming formidable.

I am grateful to be overwhelmed and very behind on cards sent – it means we have been so very blessed by our larger circle of friends who send emails and letters and cards and remind us that our names are in their prayers.

And I am grateful for the “why us?” anger and the selfishness I feel for all the alone time I can get with Sam, sitting just beneath the surface. It is a reminder that I am of the human species and in need of a Savior and a whole lot of grace.