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Instead of complaining, instead of watching the dismal news and alarming statistics, instead of dwelling on the unknowns and uncertainties in my life and in the world . . .
I decided to count my blessings today! It’s amazing how it changed my perspective!
Today, I am grateful for . . .
—My family of six (with all 4 boys!) is home safe and sound in the “ark.” Our son who was stuck in the U.K. made it home safely!
—My family (both near and far) is in good health.
—My boys (young and old) enjoy working out together in the basement every night. They lift weights and hit the punching bag.
—We have a dog that we can legally walk.
—Our internet is still functioning (albeit VERY SLOW!), so we can connect virtually with friends and family around the world.
—Our jobs can be done mostly online.
—My boys are managing to survive homeschooling and kinda liking it.
—Pierre, our 7-year-old, entertains himself with singing, dancing, storytelling, jumping on beds, and making forts in our living room every day.
—I found a giant container of “bubbles” in the garage, so we can now enjoy “bubble blowing recess” outside on the back patio!
—Our family has played more cards and board games in the past weeks than in the past years.
—We bought a Spanish version of Monopoly to keep up on our language learning.
—We are finally cleaning out our cupboards, fridge, and freezer of old food.
—Our kids are learning to not waste toilet paper and to appreciate left-overs three days in a row.
—My husband and I (and the brothers!) are not in 24/7 conflict, even though there’s tension in the air.
—We have enjoyed watching some good family movies and eating popcorn.
—I have had more time to weave and to create with my hands.
—We have cleaned our entire house and organized every drawer and closet . . . even our basement!
—Even though we can’t move, we have officially signed a rental contract and paid a deposit on our new house.
—The grocery stores were stocked again (no empty shelves!), and my husband was able to purchase enough groceries for the next two weeks.
—Pierre and I found some great “flourless” dessert recipes when we ran out of flour—“no bake” oatmeal cookies and a “flourless” chocolate cake topped with powdered sugar and raspberries.
—We have enjoyed doing “Walk at Home” and “Just Dance” videos for indoor exercise.
—I have been able to call my friends and family who are alone and isolated.
—We had
—The sun has been playing peek-a-boo for the past few days.
—Yesterday, it rained all day, and I took Bernie for a walk in it.
—We created a “road” in our back courtyard for Pierre to ride his bike.
—Our family has started packing up our belongings, even though we don’t know when we will be able to move into our new house.
—I have met and waved at a lot of new neighbors as we all gather on our front porches at 8 p.m. every night to applaud for Spain.
—We were able to have fun celebrating two family birthdays (Vincent’s and Robert’s) during the past weeks—even in quarantine!
—Vincent bought some Coke at the grocery store this week, and we all enjoyed a nice, ice-cold glass last night.
—Because the grocery stores have limited items, we are trying new varieties of food (different French cheeses) and brands (no more generic, store brands in stock). It’s been more expensive—but fun!
—My computer hasn’t burned up and is not tired of my writing and storytelling to help process my emotions.
—I found a nice walking path with a view of the mountains. I can sneak out and forget . . . just for a moment.
—People around the world are weaving their hearts together in prayer.
—We still have faith, hope, and love—nothing can steal that from us!
—God is still in control!
When Was the Last Time?
When was the last time you counted your blessings?
Maybe you should give it a try. Just get out a piece of paper and start writing down all the things you are grateful for. It’s amazing how different you will feel.
If it helps, try doing it every day! I’ll join you from Spain! We can share lists and encourage one another!
—THE CULTURAL STORY-WEAVER
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LET’S WEAVE CULTURES!
Are you willing to count your blessings today? Try it, and see what happens!
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures!” Write about them in the comment box below.
I have many of the same 🙂
1. I have a job that allows me to work from home
2. There is a tree outside my window whose buds and leaves grow a little bit each day. Spring is here!
3. I have a roommate (and coworker) who keeps me from getting lonely while working from home!
4. My church is able to live stream each week so I can join my brothers and sisters each week and continue learning together each week.
5. My professor was able to work quickly and convert our in-class coursework into online coursework so I can continue learning. And, our class is even able to meet for online discussions. What a blessing to see their faces!
6. My family all made it home safely and are now in the same city. They’re just across town so I can see them occasionally (while keeping a safe distance of course)
7. Working from home has allowed me to focus better on my work in the middle of my department’s busiest season
8, My roommate has a cat who is great to snuggle when the day is extra dreary
9. This extra time and space has allowed me to dream about how I can be more intentional and proactive in my relationships once this is all over
10. I get to read updates from my friends all around the world on a more frequent basis, which keeps them in my mind and helps me to remember to pray for them!
Thank you, Alyssa, for counting your blessings and sharing them with the world! Isn’t it amazing how it changes your whole perspective? Wow!