One Thousand Gifts . . .

And it is a Monday.  I don't even need a calendar to feel it.

I'm already behind in my new year.  I haven't been on the computer in days - so I missed all communication between the other moms in my homeschooling group to plan out the first few months of the year.  Now all that is available are months I cannot do because of bible school preparations.

I feel like a sloucher and a slouch.

Christmas still sits in corners packed away but not packed up.  The tree sits empty by the window looking as dark as my mood's been the last two days.

I had to put socks on this morning - I'm a barefoot kind of girl - 'cause my floor's too dirty to walk on - sticky and grimy and nasty lazy feeling.

Like me.

But I read Vicky at Having Some Work Done and she speaks of how I feel this year and after each Christmas and once again God sends a blessing in another's words.  Thanks, V.  Maybe not next year?

Thank you, Father God. 

For the joy of your blessings can be as simple as everyday not feeling like Mondays.  Everyday not bringing troubles or sorrows or sadness or confusion or frustration or hurt in a friend's eyes. 

But more than this.  For the absolute contagious joy that comes even when a day is like a Monday.

My gratitude list continues . . .

chubby cheeks

a surprise in the mail

gathered around the table telling him what we each love the most about him

delia crying cause only he can make her really laugh right now

strangers wishing him a happy birthday

smiles from other moms

telling birthday wishes in secret - to everyone

finding my glasses in just the nick of time

laundry folded and folded and folded - maybe tomorrow put away - the promise of the maybe?

bonus checks

moms who plan and love me in spite of my ball juggling dropping

rice krispy treats

sleeping beautiful nephew

shout spray

free cupcake wrap templates

prayers for Shelby

$1 value drinks

lesson that I hope she learns because of another's mistakes

prayers for job seeking

homemade soup and pound cake and pimento cheese

excellent on a resume and cover letter - so proud

the sound of ruben's voice on the computer and the reassurance it brings

My list, #'s 776-797.