I played tennis yesterday for the first time in a long time. I was keenly aware that many of the attitudes around me were filled with complaints, or to put it more bluntly, they were drunk on entitlement. What is it about Americans in general (myself included in this) that makes us feel like we are entitled to so much- or really anything at all? The person in the drivethru is taking WAY too long to take my order, or this car in front of me is really slowing me down, or where are the towels and cups that should be out on the courts and why should I have to walk all the way inside to get them? You get the picture.
So, I was reading Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas ( highly recommend) and he talks about having contempt for contempt. One way to do this is to cultivate an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. Doesn't that sound fantastic? My first effort in this is to list
10 Things I am Happy About Today:
1. Marcus watched Neely this morning so I could go for a run-- without the jogging stroller! I seriously forgot what that feels like!
2. Having lunch with my dear friend Melanie today. I have missed her!
3. You. I have friends who are actually willing to read my ramblings on my blog, many of whom are mothers who can absolutely relate to what I am talking about.
4. Summer TV shows to replace the void American Idol and the Bachelor left when the season ended. A new show is on Monday night with Mark Philopusis (sp?). He is a tennis player on the tour and he is looking for love. It is like the Bachelor on the tennis court! I seriously can not wait. And "So you Think You Can Dance." Yes, Sarah, I love it too!
5. T-town. I can say that after 4 years, I finally feel like this is home, and I like it here. I am super thankful for our home. It suits our needs perfectly!
6. Longer t-shirts. After the low rise pants craze, I have been waiting for longer t-shirts to make up for the crack gap when you bend over. And I have finally found some. Now Marcus does not sound the "white back" alert every time I bend over to get Neely.
7. Great books. I am finally reading "Shepherding a Child's Heart" and "Honey for a Child's Heart" along with "Sacred Marriage." There are too many great books!
8. Neely's first birthday rapidly approaching. The theme will be Strawberry Shortcake. Remember her, girls?
9. Vacation. Marcus and I have been throwing around some fun vacation plans- Hawaii is in the mix. Wow, that would be so fun! But just the thought of getting away is very exciting.
10. I am going to take a nap. Peace! SO thankful for this.
Have a blessed day!
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2 comments:
Great post! Glad to know you are enjoying So You Think You Can Dance! Hawaii sounds great but I think the Philadelphia trip with you guys and me and Graham would blow that out of the water (ha!). Really we'd love to go anywhere with you guys. Maybe you can go to Seaside with us this summer. Thanks for the top 10. We should all sit down and do that. Great to see you Saturday even if it was only for 5 minutes!!
love you,
Sarah
i really enjoyed your list! it is a great idea! i easily forget about the good things around me. i too am trying to read Shepherding. I need all the encouragement i can get! haven't heard of the other one, would you suggest it? i think i'll check out the tennis show as well! i always dread when my shows end, but then enjoy the fact that i am not tied down by the TV. but come fall, i am rearing to go!
thanks for the laughs! and encouragement to be thankful!
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