Most days, there are just some things in life I have to do. I have to go to work. I have to pay the bills. I have to brush my teeth. I have to grade papers...the list could be endless. While doom-scrolling reels last night before bed (which is bad for sleep cycles, by the way), I watched a reel by Reese Witherspoon (click her name to access the link, if you want to watch) about being grateful for even these small things in life. So, I decided to change my attitude...
Because of God's gift in this life, I get to
get up in the morning,
enjoy a cup (or two) of coffee on my back deck
read my biblical devotions
take a shower
put on clean clothes
go for a walk
eat a heart healthy breakfast
drive to work in a car that works
teach students about writing and communication
fellowship with some amazing colleagues (truly, I'm blessed here)
enjoy a healthy lunch
take a short walk
read the ideas of (literally) hundreds of creative, insightful students
offer support to students struggling to prepare for the workplace
mentor students through college educations
drive home in a car that has air conditioning and heated seats
have a home to come home to
eat a healthy dinner
wash my dishes
prepare for work the next day
enjoy dessert
spend a little time writing, reading or watching television
ask God to forgive those who have done something to me
ask God to forgive me for any trespasses (known or unknown)
thank God for all He has generously given me today
pray that I do God's will tomorrow
go to bed in a comfortable home, with a comfy mattress and my favorite blankie.
For all of these things, I am so grateful and blessed!!
Not everyday goes this well for me, but Paul's letters to the Philippians reminds us what would should focus our sights on:
Philippians 4:8 (NIV): Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Besides my daily "get to" list, there are so many other things that are "excellent" and "praiseworthy" that I struggle to lift them all up to God everyday.
My uncle used to say "Look up!" Look up to the Lord, indeed, and give thanks for what you "get to"! What are some things you "get to"? Make a list, keep a journal, and see how your perspective begins to bring God into focus!
Bless you, friends,
Michelle
P.s. Did you know that dragonflies and damsel flies get to eat mosquitoes? I was grateful to get this shot of a damsel fly alighting on a blade of cattail grass during a day I got to spend with my son and we got to hang out by one of the 10,000 lakes in Minnesota.
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