My Grateful Game

I guess you could call me a "pollyanna" because years ago when I began having children, God began to show me how ungrateful and selfish I was. I did not like being around whiny and grumbly type people and I was astonished how much I had become the very thing that I disliked immensely. And I did NOT like whinny children. Not sure how I became so whinny 'cuz my mother never allowed us to get away with whining. And I wanted to make sure that I did NOT have whiny children. I began playing the grateful game. Every time I or my girls complained about something we had to come up with 5 things that we're grateful for. I still do NOT like being around whiny people and I refuse to be one of them.

The last few weeks,  much to my chagrin, I fear that I have begun to complain and whine a lot. So today, I am determined to only talk about things that I'm grateful for.

So here goes:  I am grateful that I get to be involved in people's lives. I am grateful that I get to see them transform and that they come to see me to tell me how their lives have turned around.  I am grateful for my little Miss Treva that is so happy where she is living. I went to see her today and she had the biggest smile. She looks so happy and well. I am very grateful that she is in a safe place and doing so well.  I am grateful that one of the people that I serve, when she lost her mother on Mother's Day, she came right away to see me Monday morning for a hug and to give me the details. I went to love on her today at her mother's viewing. I am grateful for the older gentleman that comes to fellowship almost every day and how he helps me by washing the dishes or sweeping and mopping the floors. Today, as we cleaned up, we were able to encourage each other with the growth we've seen in each other's lives.  I am grateful for the man who wanted to show me a photo of his grandson because he told me that he heard I like to hear everyone's story. I love that people want to share their story with me.  I love that yesterday I was able to meet 2 people who are just beginning the process of transforming themselves from one gender to the other. I was able to share my exposure to the process of a transgender through a friend of the family. One of them came back today and I do believe that she/he feels the acceptance and love no matter what is happening in their lives. I am so grateful for the many people that I am honored and privileged to share life with. I am grateful for the many people that come through my day and bring laughter. I am so very grateful that they love me (at least they say they do).

Those are just a few things I am grateful for. Once I begin the game, it is hard to stop because I keep thinking of more and more. I challenge each of you to do the same. You will be amazed at the change in perspective and attitude. The sun comes out - even though the circumstances may not have changed - even the dreariest of days begin to look a little brighter.