a grateful heart

It's been quite the week ...an  ear infection and a bad case of poison ivy are an interesting combination (and when i say bad i mean i had poison on my arms, legs, thighs, stomach, neck and face!) On the way to the doctor's this morning for my ear I began thinking about what God may be trying to teach me through this. Although both minor things the two together have gotten my attention as I alternate between a scratchy body and pounding ear.
The word I heard as I drove along and listened was "Gratitude". He is teaching me to be grateful. When I am sick I began to see how much I really do have to be grateful for...starting with my health. And I see how often I am not grateful or thankful.
So today I was thanking him for all that He has given me...which is really a lot. An amazing husband, four beautiful healthy energetic children, a big farmhouse to live in on a gorgeous property, food to eat, great friendships and so much more.
I can look at my house and see the perpetually sticky old linoleum floor and orange shag carpet or walk out the front door and look at the view of rolling meadows and flower gardens. It is the same house...just a different perspective.

"Sometimes all we really need is a fresh perspective on our circumstances. We need someone to open a window and let a breeze blow into the room that we didn't realize had gotten so stuffy." ~Nancy Wilson~

Give me one thing more, a grateful heart.~George Herbert~