Gratitude

I started this blog for a few reasons, not the least of which is the fact that I left Facebook for a few months and was craving a different outlet for thoughts. I was also inspired by great friends whose blogs are little bright spots in my days (when they post, that is). One friend called the internet sad in that it allows you to feel like you're interacting with someone who you might not normally; I said I preferred to call it lazy.  Either way, it's enjoyable.

Today I had to go to a routine doctor's appointment, and my sweet mother-in-law drove an hour in rush hour traffic just so I could go unencumbered (read: without the baby). I feel so blessed to have family near me, but not only family, people who are loving and willing to help when I need it. One of my faults is an intense loathing to ask for help. For anything. I do okay with my mom and Husband, but otherwise, I won't ask. I haven't figured out yet if it's pride that stops me; a lot of times I think, "I don't want to bother them with this," but that seems like a cop out. Anyway, it's good to have in-laws who will just say, "Okay, I'll be there at 9," with no hesitation for my protests of self-sufficiency. Because I'm not self-sufficient. There's a much bigger Being out there who has been asking me to let Him help for a long time, and my struggle for "independence" is really futile.

So today, I am grateful for:
1. My sweet mother-in-law, who adores Elijah (and whose adoration is returned by him) and who doesn't hesitate to clean my kitchen. She has no idea how much I love this.
2. My loving Father, who helped me to find the perfect man to marry, and who continues to show Himself to me every day, mostly in the form of a raucous 16-month-old blonde baby.
3. Birds eating at my feeder. Random, yes, but I love sitting on my couch and watching them get a snack in the afternoon.
4. Afternoon naps - for all four of us (Elijah, me, and both dogs).