Yesterday my friend Kathleen Grace over at Kathy's Cottage, commented on their blog that she wondering if looking at the beautiful homes in decorating magazines was making her discontented with her own home. It got me to thinking about being thankful for what we have. Am I thankful? So I began to write a list. After I did the usual: family, provision, shelter and health, I had to stretch my thinking a little further, but the more I thought about it the longer the list grew! I realised I have lots to be thankful for! I even began to think about the negative things that had happened in my life. I was thankful for sickness because it made me appreciate health more, financial problems because it made me more resouceful, hardship because it made me stonger.
Most of the things we bloggers love (homes, thrift shop finds, gardening, crafts, etc) don't really count in the long run. Let's face it some of us just have cars that automatically stop at all yard sales, thrift shops and good stuff on the curb! We can be thankful that we have lots of ideas and will never be bored! Actually if you are creative you HAVE to create, but I'll save that for another time.
Then I wondered if being thankful had health benefits and guess what? It does! I found this article if you're interested.
A number of years ago I read a book called Rest and Be Thankful. The name of the ranch was Rest and Be Thankful. I had forgotten about it until very recently and decided to give that name to our home. It is just a 1960's brick ranch, not really worthy of a name, but I'm naming it and plan to make a "We're glad you came to Rest and Be Thankful, come on in" or words to that effect. I've got a few other projects in the works so this one will have to take a number.
I sure seem to be all over the place today!! As I said the more I thought the more things came to mind. Anyhow this morning I made a list of all the things I am thankful for. (you are one of them!)
What are you thankful for today?
I am thankful that I have you in my life.
ReplyDeleteLove John
Hi Rhondi,
ReplyDeleteI too have so much to be thankful for! Your post is so true! It is easy to forget thankfulness every day, but good to get that kick in the pants that reminds us of all we have rather than all we do not. I don't find myself disconntented as a rule though and always like to keep my eyes open to things that undermine my happiness. All in all, I get a lot more enjoyment than discontent from decorating. I love the name you have given your home, a constant reminder that our homes are a gift from God and our place to relax:>) Have a great day!
Hi Rhodi,
ReplyDeleteI love this exercise, it's amazing how much better I feel after counting my blessings - even the 'negative' ones! Thanks for a lovely post.
Have a beautiful Wednesday,
Kelleigh.
It is so true than we we stop and really look at our lives, we have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful that I can spread my creativity to others. I am thankful for a quilt to cuddle under at night. I am thankful for my talkative cat who keeps me amused. I am thankful for blogging friends like you!
ReplyDeleteHugs ~
Heidi
What a beautiful blog you have. I love your wicker furniture!!!
ReplyDeleteWell, what a lovely post! I am thankful for many reasons...I am thankful that I have met you my new friend!
ReplyDeletePenny
Rhondi, thanks for coming by my blog and for the kind words. We look as if we have a lot in common. I'll be back to see you soon!
ReplyDeleteCarol
http://ourreddoor.blogspot.com
Rhondi,
ReplyDeleteIt's good to stop and take stock of all our blessings....I like to think of my home as 'Linger Longer'. I love home and all that it means....but home isn't made up of walls and floors....it's the love and family inside.....It was asked of a father after a fire about their home, he replied, "our house burned but our home is intact"......
I enjoyed visiting with you....Betty
Hi Rhondi, what a beautiful post and wise words indeed. Yes, we need to remind ourselves of this more often. Not just magazines but I find TV and blogger also make me wish for things I can't have. We strive to emulate the old days in the way we decorate our homes, but we should also try to emulate some of the values that seem to have fallen by the wayside in this money-driven world.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, just for today, I am thankful for the Thrift Fairy! ;-)
best wishes to you,
Lucy x
Dear Rhondi, what a lovely post! It's very easy to forget the blessings we receive every day; even, as you say, the negative ones. I think I will fill a jar with one blessing I'm thankful for each day, then read them at the end of the year. :)
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Mary
Thank you for putting the link to that article. That was great to read! I really feel that if you really appreciate what you have and see beauty in the little things that you will be a much happier person.
ReplyDelete