Day 5

Gratitude...I have had several opportunities to be grateful for much this weekend. Earlier in the week, my nose detected a strong natural gas odor in the new home I was moving into, even though I was reassured by others that all was well. On Friday, I contacted the gas company and was told I had to be at the house for them to do anything and they could be there any minute because it was considered an emergency.  By the time I left work and arrived at the home, they had already shut the gas off and left.  I had to call and put in another order for them to come back and investigate. The ladies on the phone were very helpful and kind even though I was getting irritated.  As I hung up the phone, I was immediately grateful that the representative didn't play into my agitation of having to wait longer and miss more work. I knew I needed to regroup: so I put the seat back in the car, closed my eyes and practiced some deep breathing exercises, prayed, repented for having a less than loving attitude, wishing I had the direct line of the last representative I spoke to, so I could apologize for sounding the way I did, and starting looking for things to be grateful for in this situation. As I pondered these things I actually fell asleep for about 15 minutes and when I awoke what came to mind was:

• I was grateful for the moment to relax, breathe, pray and redirect my energy at the end of a very busy, hectic week.
• I was grateful for the possibility of finding a gas leak and fixing the awful smell in my new place and removing a potentially dangerous situation.
• I was grateful the situation exposed another area I need to grow in.

A leak in the kitchen was found, and fixed and as the gas man left, I was very grateful.  I was even more grateful when I returned to the home later that evening to a pleasant aroma in my home void of foul smells!  

On moving day, I had a small but powerful moving team.  These friends were amazing and worked their tales off to get me situated in my new place.  I didn't know how to thank them for the sacrifice of time and physical LABOR.  It was a tremendous amount of work to get me moved, yet they were there and did it and without complaint.  When they left, I felt bad, because I could not think of  an adequate  way thank them for all they did.  Words and tokens of appreciation didn't seem like enough. 
As I woke up this morning sore and achy from all the lifting, I was again grateful for dear friends. I am reminded that part of an attitude of gratitude is is being able to receive blessing also. Everyone benefits. Have you ever given a gift that wasn't received with open arms.  In a way, it can burst the bubble of wanting to bless some one and show gratitude for them.

Day 5
Write down 5 things you are grateful for. The next time you are in a challenging situation - let your mind and heart look for ways to be grateful even in the midst of turmoil or pain. Grow through it...

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.  ~Thornton Wilder

~Grateful for Aaron and Lindsey, Nancy, Jim, Jimmy, Donna and Eve who went beyond the call to help a friend! ~
Denise