There are so many things I have to be thankful for this year... I sat here today pondering that. One thing stands out to me... something that's hard to explain... but is very real here in my life as life's trials seem to have hit top speed...
HOPE!
It seems that if I really stop and think... hope surrounds me. And that is a huge comfort! I was in a situation the other day that could have been viewed two ways. One way was despair. I could have chosen to see the damage and pain that had happened... or see things in another way, which I did. (and that was hard to do to be honest.) I saw healing and growth in the rubble of it all... and with that, HOPE! A tweak in my perspective helped me not dwell on the trial itself, but the power in overcoming that trial and even the blessings that can be found amidst the storm. Like the newly emerged sapling on the healing forest floor after a fire has taken it's toll... Hope's perspective changes all things. Hope has inspired, lifted, awakened and strengthened me. I am looking for hope now in everyday things. I have been finding that a little seed of hope can give me the same effect if I allow it to make a home in my heart. Something simple like when Ella is brings me books to read to Me, instead of me to her. My seed of hope is planted and grows knowing that she will overcome her little struggle with reading. While that is an itty bitty struggle in the big scheme of things for us right now.... the hope in it accumulates like single snowflakes in a flurry of winter's first snow... aiding a beautiful blanket of change.
May you find hope when you need it. I am thankful for HOPE!
Now... on that note and with Thanksgiving right around the corner... I want to give a little something to you! One of you that is. :) I am extremely thankful for you... and with I could give one to everyone!
AND....
How to enter to win On My Couch and On My Couch additions? Post a comment on this post with these two things... What YOU are thankful for and what area of the world you live in.... and anything else you want to share is welcomed! Please play nice and only post one comment. Winner will be announced on Saturday, Nov. 28th. ETA: COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED. I will be posting the winner tomorrow... sorry I'm late... it's been a busy weekend! :)
Thanks for taking to time to read this loooong and very personal post... and for poppying by!