At 37 weeks pregnant, this isn't what you're thinking. No tiny plastic-colored containers and no Autumn Calabrese.
My husband was just gone for 21 days and the only way I was going to get through it was to be super intentional about gratitude. I'm not the most patient person and there were several moments and a few texts of pity me, "do you know how tired I am?" But here's my list: Lunch downtown with my boys before take off Quiet morning No storm damage/lost power Pool day at Austin's Grandparents! Church Solo Target run Sisters who mop Cabellas "fish" Lawn mowed Adult conversation at dinner Zoo Parents home from vacation Awesome new daycare Dinner brought over OB appointment Everyone answered for home visits 3 hour naps Bedroom surprise done/parents who sacrifice Time with Mom Baby flipped! AUSTIN IS HOME There was so much protection, intentionality of others, and grace-long distance is hard. And now he's home and we've realized big joy can be found in the most mundane days, like drinking blue slushies at the zoo with our boy who walks around like he owns the plays and says hi to everyone and everything! We've also realized that the things that make make marriage messy for us are so dumb. Like I can't even come up with an example right now they are that small and unimportant. We've been trying to slow down, communicate what we actually want/need, and extend an apology or grace quicker than before. It's been so good. In two weeks or less baby #2 will be here. I'm so thankful to have Austin. He makes me better and he's such a gift to our family. A friend I met in grad school had a mantra I've shared before "Gratitude changes everything into enough." Simple. True, Important. I often look past the blessings God places directly in my life, which means I'm missing out on a lot. I'm thankful for 21 days of realizing how great and hardworking of a husband I have, how selfless our parents are and how much they truly love Nick, how my friends and sister take time to check in and help out despite being in really different seasons, and how much God provides and protects.
2 Comments
Nancy Garrett
7/31/2017 08:59:24 pm
So uplifting to read your list of gratefulness! I need to do this myself because it is easier to focus on the things left undone!!! I will be praying for a smooth delivery and healthy baby girl! You've got this! God bless you every step of the way!
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Jonell VanderWall
8/1/2017 03:29:46 am
I love the phrase that Gratitude makes everything enough. Could I add one of my favorites to it? Enough is a feast. Thank you for blessing me this morning 😉
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Hi! I'm Haley. Archives
May 2019
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