Thankful

Once again the time of year rolls around in which we Americans are told to give thanks.  Yet a thought continually nabs at my heart.  What about the other 364 days of the year?  Is it not just as important to give thanks on those days?  A variety of sources give a resounding "yes"!  Scientific research shows that brain chemistry alters to fire positive emotions when a person takes time each day to say what they are thankful for.  Popular Pinterest posts urge viewers to "see the good".  Even the Bible speaks of thankfulness in all circumstances providing peace.  
Today I post what I am grateful for this month.  Yet in light of the above paragraph, I want to begin randomly posting photos of things, people, concepts and places I am thankful for throughout the year. I encourage you to do the same.  My sister gave me the idea of writing down three things I'm thankful for every night.  My bedtime experience has declined in anxious hours awake before sleep comes.  As I take time to dwell in gratefulness, my sleep arrives sooner- thank goodness!  Find a similar practice that reminds you of the Everyday Beauties in your life- on stormy, chaotic days and sunny, peaceful ones!

So without farther ado, I'm thankful for...

The hilarious, carefree antics of a two-year-old brother

Teenage siblings to joke around with

My bright student, rock-star and imagination queen sister!

A father who selflessly love his family

A mother who loves with passion and defends the truth

The experiences I've had around the world and the unique aspects of each culture

Working and learning with the youth group (harvesting peas from our youth garden in the above picture)

Candles.  Their soft glow always blesses me with calm.

Our windows which never fully close; they let nature sounds in (birds by day, crickets and bats by night, wind and rain during storms, children's laughter when they pass by) and keep bugs and snakes out

Bubbles and baths!

The smiles of my wonderful friends around the world

Bright colors and patterned fabrics

Photography which allows me to see things from all sorts of angles

Babies and toddlers!

Community and connection

The curiosity and innocent acceptance of life children display

Wise, trusted individuals in my life who lead me when I cannot see clearly

New cultural experiences (A marriage introduction pictured above; more about this in a future post!)

Moments of stillness

New perspectives

Unconditional love showed by my parents, siblings, dear friends and mentors who choose to accept me even when I'm being difficult

Beauty in the unique personality, story and presence of each person

Caretakers who hold those in need

Beauty in the small things

Puppies!

And puppies again :)

Friends in my home village. This is Vivian! She greets me joyfully every day (often multiple times a day) and usually asked for a bottle, "dish" (Tupperware) or "sweet" (candy).

Green and the growth it represents.  I'm also thankful for the growth I've experienced this year.

A roof over my head

Flowers!

Time to rest or sleep

Game nights nearly every evening in our home.  We often end up being crazy and laughing our heads off!  These are often my favorite moments of the day.

The support I've received from many different people in different ways.  Thank you, friends and family, for helping me move forward!

 

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