Cultivating a Life of Gratitude

I am committing myself, during 2010, to attempt to cultivate a greater awareness of how much I have to be thankful and grateful for by sharing my daily findings and musings with you. It is my hope that by blogging about gratitude, I will be more aware of what is going on around me in my life, my family, my friends' lives and our world.

April 22, 2011

I'm Forever Grateful

... for the cross ...

"Amazing Love, how can it be, that You my King would die for me?
Amazing love, I know it's true!  And it's my joy to honor you ..."

April 20, 2011

Simple

8 a.m. - heavy, wet snow
12 noon or so - snow stopped, gray afternoon
5 p.m. - skies clearing (able to see blue sky but whacky storm-like clouds gathering)
8 p.m. - drove into and through pea-sized hail

Here is my simple moment of gratitude in the midst of a crazy Spring weather day ... as we were getting into the car around 5 p.m., Ross showed Ethan how one of the blossoms on our tree was opening up.  There were even leaves!  I'm grateful!!

April 18, 2011

Piano Families

I work with MANY amazing families every week.  Being a piano teacher that goes into peoples' homes could be intimidating for some, but I find it to be a source of joy and many times it really helps me get to know my students on a different level because I understand more about who they are as growing people and the family they come from because they invite me into their personal space each week.

I have 13 families I work for/with each week and I cannot even begin to share with you how incredibly blessed I am by them.  I will try but I will inevitably leave out many important things.

First - I really and honestly can say that I don't have a student who I dread teaching each week.  During different seasons, some students can be more challenging than others but every kid I work with is a genuinely NICE, teachable younger-than-me person.
Second - The parents of these students are so supportive.  Not only have they done a fabulous job raising kids who are responsible, respectful and teachable but they encourage their students and many of them do hands on practicing with them as needed - that's AMAZING!
Third - They pay their monthly bills on time - I have no outstanding balances or awkward situations - I mean really - that is incredible.
Four - They pass my name around to other people considering lessons for their children.  What a great compliment and I do NOT take this kind of advertising for granted!
Five - Often, I will be offered a drink (I will turn it down these days because of the baby sitting on my bladder :)) or the use of their bathroom (especially when pregnant I appreciate this very much!).  I have received treats or parts of meals that are being baked or cooked in the kitchen while I'm teaching and many wonderful cards and notes from students that I save.  One of my favorites came from Rachel (who is now in high school).  It must have been at least 4 years ago, she drew her and me at the piano having a lesson but we were wolves!  Amazing! JUST TONIGHT I received a Chicco car seat and base from a family who is done using it with their youngest adorable boy.  What an amazing gift!  With E-man, we would just transfer the car seat between cars. Definitely do-able but this will be SO smooth to have a car seat and base in BOTH cars.  Thank you!!

I am so blessed to have this kind of employment and the Lord was good to remind me of all of the MANY blessings I receive in various forms from the families I work with each week (as I am slightly freaking out about not having 'maternity leave' pay this time around).  It's so worth it and I wouldn't exchange what I do and who I  work with and the time I get to spend with E-man because of these families and their students!! Thank you amazing parents and students!!

April 17, 2011

New Modem

This may seem really silly, but I am SO THANKFUL for our new modem which has literally been sitting in it's box since it arrived at the end of January.  This weekend, both Ross and I were feeling fed up with the speed of our internet connection (circa 1997 dial up).  So, I decided to was time to complete the set-up process (sort of dreading a long phone call to India if I encountered any issues).  Well, once again I was found to be very grateful for the 7 easy steps I had to follow.  Within 20 minutes we once again have lightning speed connection.  Thank goodness! :) Perhaps the faster connection will inspire me to blog more often ... I suppose the jury is still out on that one.

April 5, 2011

"Do you see the beautiful clouds, Mama?"

I'm thankful for the my little dude who is learning to 'see' all that God has created around him when we go on walks together (outside!!!!!).  Today he asked me the question, "Do you see the beautiful clouds, Mama?" sort of out of nowhere.  It was adorable and I was impressed with the use of the adjective 'beautiful'.  The clouds were white, puffy, fluffy, various sizes and textures and very neat to watch today as I was pushing him along.  It was also warm and sunny (I think we climbed all the way to 54 where we live today!).  Today I am grateful for the reminder to look around at all God has created, which, let's be honest, is especially fun to do in the Spring time!! YAY!! :)