I think I have been in mourning since the election results were announced last week. The results were not what I was hoping for, but I still have faith that God will use this situation. My human condition often keeps me from seeing the ways God chooses to use unlikely situations for His glory.
I am a little late to the party, but I have been meaning to post my 30 days of thanks. At first I thought I don't want to post on Facebook every day, so I will just do a once a week update. Well week one came and went without me posting. Then week two came and went. So here we are, day 16 and no posts from me about gratitude for the little and not so little things in my life.
Day 1: I am thankful for my husband. He is my best friend. He is truly my better half and I know I would be completely lost without him in my life.
Day 2: I am thankful for my daughter Nalley. She is completely ridiculous and at 2 years old is testing every bit of patience I thought I had. Her zest for life is contagious. She is caring, compassionate and faithful. She never ceases to amaze me whether it be genuflecting in the adoration chapel without prompting or making sure when she gets a snack that she gets one extra for Felicity. She is a beautiful hope for the future.
Day 3: I am thankful for my daughter Felicity. She is so full of life. She is 13 months old and can't sit still. She isn't quite walking yet, but her climbing skills are amazing. She can destroy a room in about .2 seconds but then make you smile about it instead of being upset.
Day 4: I am thankful for my mother. She is a beautiful woman with so much wisdom, understanding and compassion. She has become a friend to me as I have had my own children. I am truly blessed to have her in my life.
Day 5: I am thankful for my father. He is a big teddy bear who is always there to protect me whether it be with a hug or a phone call or threatening a lawsuit (one of my personal favorites). his unique brand of love has taught me so many lessons in life that will not soon be forgotten.
Day 6: I am thankful to be an American. Even though the results didn't turn out how I would have liked, I am grateful to live in a country that has so many freedoms like the ability to vote whether you are woman or man, black or white. Peaceful revolutions every 4 years are kind of fun, at least more fun than a war would be.
Day 7: I am thankful for farmers. Food is so yummy and with out farmers it wouldn't be possible. I am thankful to know some great ones myself but I am thankful for anyone who puts in the long hours it takes so that I can put a yummy dinner on the table every night.
Day 8: I am thankful to be able to stay home with my children. This was all I knew growing up. My mom stayed home with us. I didn't know some moms worked. Yes I was very sheltered apparently! I am thankful that my husband provides so well for us that I get to stay home. He puts in long hours to do so. I put in long hours minding the budget in order to do so. It is a balancing act that is sometimes not fun at all but in the end I hope I can be Day 4 of thanks for my children.
Day 9: I am thankful for my in laws. They are great grandparents to our girls and are always willing to help. I can't count the number of times I have been able to drop the girls off for just an hour or so to get groceries by myself or to get in and out at an appointment. They are always available yet never intrusive. I couldn't ask for better in laws.
Day 10: I am thankful for my extended family. I have some great aunts, uncles and cousins. I will never know what the holidays are like with just a few people. Thanksgiving and Christmas are affairs with 70+ people. The lessons learned from family are some of the first of our lives. I learn cooperation and team work but I also learned to stand my ground.
Day 11: I am thankful for my sister. I have a best friend whose name is Laura. We shared a room growing up. When we were teenagers people thought we were twins. We are 15 months apart in age and she is quite possibly the best role model a younger sister could have. She has paved the way for me in just about every area of life. And while at times this is/was irritating, I have learned to appreciate the troubles she went through that actually made it easier for me. She is there for me whenever I need her even though with multiple kids involved it is usually a phone call or email instead of a physical visit. I will never be able to repay her for everything she has done or given me but the best part is she doesn't expect repayment.
Day 12: I am thankful for my sisters, all of them. I have a wonderful group of friends who are sisters and sister in laws and even a few friends who are more like sisters. I would be lost without each and every one of them. They have been there beside me or to guide me my entire life and that is a friendship you just can't find anywhere else but with sisters.
Day 13: I am thankful for my brothers. What an interesting group of guys. As different as can be but each one is loving and protective and would go to the end of the earth for the ones they love. I am lucky to be counted in that group. They have given me a lot of laughs, some great stories and a few headaches but in the end it is the love that lasts.
Day 14: I am thankful for my past. Can't change it, it is what it is and it has made me who I am. All of those mistakes, all of those missteps, they have created the Hannah I am today. It is fun to think what if but I always find the answer to what if is different from the perfection I am living today. I wouldn't trade anything for today which means I am thankful for yesterday.
Day 15: I am thankful for my friend Anne. She has more courage than she knows and is more beautiful than she recognizes. She is a wonderful wife and mother. Her husband is lucky to have her and so are her boys. As much as you think I am your angel, you are mine :)
Day 16: I am thankful for sunshine and for sonshine. I always like to see the sun shining but I like it even more to see the Son shining. I hope I am always able to see those moments uniquely crafted by God to show His glory.
What are you thankful for?
God Bless,
Hannah
The Farmer's Wife
