The sun is OUT
My toes are painted (red)
The day is YOUNG
No time to be wasted...
IT'S THANKFUL THURSDAY!
This week has been busy, unique, celebratory, thought-provoking, and adventurous.
With everything going on around here (you know: turning 30, cleaning desitin out of carpets, trying out new recipes...), there is also an underlying sense of WOW I am so blessed.
For me, birthdays are a time of contemplation. Ever since I was a teenager, I have waxed poetic (dramatic?) and ponderous during my birthday week. Where was I this time last year? Have I accomplished my goals? What adventures lie ahead? Am I moving in the right direction?--kind of New Years-ish in thoughts.
This week has been no different, though I noticed a new thread of emotion woven into these moments of reflection--gratitude.
On the eve of my birthday, I spent some time offering a prayer of pure thanks. It was uplifting & the thankful thoughts seemed to flow much easier than I had expected. Thankful thoughts I hadn't recognized before were expressed. It was humbling to recognize so many blessings in my life & give thanks to the Giver.
The experience reminded me of David A Bednar's talk he gave in the October 2008 Conference--this part in particular:
"The most meaningful and spiritual prayers I have experienced contained many expressions of thanks and few, if any, requests. As we strive to make our prayers more meaningful, we should remember that “in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments” (D&C 59:21). Let me recommend that periodically you and I offer a prayer in which we only give thanks and express gratitude. Ask for nothing; simply let our souls rejoice and strive to communicate appreciation with all the energy of our hearts."
"Let our souls rejoice"--I love this!
That is what thankful Thursday is all about!
I'm rejoicing today, feeling so blessed by so many who thoughtfully sent messages, notes, gifts, and phone calls my way. Feeling that kind of outpouring of love is just *wow*.
I'm rejoicing today, thankful for my sweet mother who offered so much of herself to me--teaching, guiding, directing, loving--with lots of patience and prayers, I owe so much to her!
I'm rejoicing today, thankful for my kind father who called to wish me a happy birthday and told me he is proud of me (I am convinced that this is (after I love you) the best thing any Dad can say to his kid!)
I am rejoicing today, thankful that life doesn't end at 30 (contrary to my teenage imagination), but that life offers bigger & better blessings as we go along!
I am rejoicing today, thankful for the challenges that have pushed me to be stronger, wiser, and bolder.
I am rejoicing today, thankful for my little brother's BIRTHDAY--happy Birthday, Spencer--your life is reason to rejoice!
What are you rejoicing in today?
1 comment:
The SUN IS OUT! My bookend babies had their birthdays! It has always been special that you shared the days.
Friend Judy made chocolate covered strawberries and we went shepherding today...A sister with a new baby, a sister who just had a mastectomy, a sister who is disabled, a sister who we just met today for the first time ever, and a sister who I have been sending messages to for months who lives exactly across the street from her! What a great day! I am so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the chance to serve Him !
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