Friday, November 25, 2011

Five Minute Friday: The Raw Gratitude


Thanksgiving.

A day where we stop to focus on the giving of thanks.

I wrote those words yesterday as I stayed home, stuck in bed from the chronic pain that has been such a part of my skin for these past few years.

I do not talk about it much.
I do not want it to define me.
But it has changed my life.
Changed how I view the world.
And even how the world views me....at least those who knew me "before."
Before life was complicated and yet simpler.

Complicated because I am not sure who or what I am supposed to be anymore.
Simple because I am starting to make decisions more for the right reasons.

"Be true to yourself and to the Lord."

And yet, I felt lonely.
I was supposed to be thankful, grateful, but I found myself wanting, longing for things from the past -- my health, old relationships restored, clear direction for my future.

And today, to be honest, those feelings are still there.
Strong and beating hard inside of me.

And yet, somewhere deep, deep, deep in my soul.
I AM grateful.


Grateful that His grace has found me just where I am.
Grateful that His joy abounds even in my questions.
Grateful that His mercies overflow in the persons of husband, mother, sister.

He is not slack concerning His promises for me...and my life....and my future.

So I am grateful....
for HIM!


I am joining my friend, Lisa-Jo, at The Gypsy Mama with Five Minute Friday -- a place where we just Stop. Drop. and Write. for 5 minutes without editing or revising. It isn't easy, but it is my favorite writing challenge of this week. If you have never joined in, maybe today is YOUR day!! Either way, please hop over and check out the other brave mavericks who dare to put heart on paper in 5 minutes, no holes barred. Scary to do....beautiful to behold!

Happy Friday, all!!

P.S. In the interest of FULL disclosure,
I went "a bit" over 5 minutes today as I wrote out my heart.
Thank you for grace.


**All pictures are from Pinterest.

15 comments:

Sabrinaj98 said... Best Blogger Tips

What a lovely and very real post.  You don't always have to "feel" grateful in order to be grateful.  Life is hard; sometimes it even sucks.  Yet, when we are rooted in God, the joy and peace and thankfulness is there.  Sometimes at the surface, sometimes deep down below.  But it's always there.

Shelby said... Best Blogger Tips

My very wise grandmother often reminds me that "gratitude is not a feeling, it's a gracious attitude." This post expresses that beautifully. Thank you for sharing from the heart today!

Christina Gilliland said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh such deep and raw thanks, dear friend...I find that our Father is the most gracious and in such love with us as we pour out our gratitude out of the pain. Wish I could take it all away today! Thanks for your heart

Katy said... Best Blogger Tips

oh dear one...you're beautifu baring your vulnerable, raw heart...love you much and praying. 

soulstops said... Best Blogger Tips

Thank you for sharing so beautifully in your post that true gratitude can exist regardless of our feelings and circumstances.  Loved the quotes you included photographically!  Grateful for your heartfelt post!

Amy said... Best Blogger Tips

Thank you for being so honest in sharing this.  There are times when the gratitude gets all mixed up with pain for me, too, and this really put that all into words.Saying a little prayer for you!

Meredith said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh sweetheart...
Thank you for being open about the chronic pain..
now I know how to pray.
This was a beautiful testimony of finding God during the difficult... and still maintaining the joy, the peace . . .
(hugs)

JNCL said... Best Blogger Tips

Honesty.  Beautiful, gut-wrenching honesty.  All too rare in this world, especially among those of us who "speak God" on a regular basis, if you know what I mean.  Thank you.

lindseyfoj said... Best Blogger Tips

I like that Sabrina - "You don't always have to 'feel' grateful in order to be grateful." -- I am tucking that into my heart.

lindseyfoj said... Best Blogger Tips

Thank you, Shelby, and to be lumped into a category with your wise grandmother -- a true gift. Blessings.

lindseyfoj said... Best Blogger Tips

He is SO gracious. I do not know what I would do with Him. AND sweet friends like you....

lindseyfoj said... Best Blogger Tips

Thanks, sweet girl!

lindseyfoj said... Best Blogger Tips

Thank you...and I love Pinterest for all the great things you can find there!!

lindseyfoj said... Best Blogger Tips

It's hard.  That really captures it.  But thank God that HE is real!

lindseyfoj said... Best Blogger Tips

I appreciate it SO much, Meredith. You are such a special person!  You are SO supportive!

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