15 - grace & Mercy

Today, Griff’s going to get an allowance he didn’t earn. Tonight, while Eliza’s at Girl Scouts, I’m going to clean her room. Every now and then, we all need a little unexpected mercy. A little grace to tide us through the tough times.

I’m thankful for parents who give that to their children, to spouses who extend that to their loves, to friends who make an effort.

Mostly, I’m grateful I have a Saviour who sees in me something He loves enough to save every day.

14 - fresh Eyes

Today I’m thankful for those people in my life - be they friends, family, co-workers - who challenge me to see things in new ways. I may not always agree but I am always stretched and enriched by fresh perspectives.

13 - Griff

I’m thankful today for the person who’s annoyed me most today. We’re deep into Science Fair, which is our annual collective annoyance. Griff wants to be a scientist but can’t seem to get the process quite right. he gets frustrated with us. We get frustrated with him. It can get ugly.

But then one of us apologizes. And then the other does. And I remember how precious he is. And how proud I an of him. And how much better he makes me.

12 - Surprises

I like things all planned out. I do. But sometimes, a little surprise is nice. Sometimes, a big surprise is nice. A friend visited us tonight unexpectedly, and it was delightful. Sometimes, surprises are just what we need.

11 - Freedom

I’m thankful today for the freedoms we have in this country, freedoms we often, unfortunately take for granted. we have the right to worship and live and love as we see fit, and there is beauty in that.