Hey friends, how are you today? How was your week? I was too busy this week, thank you for asking. One of the tasks that takes an entire day is the washing of my hair. Oh, how I do dislike hair wash days. It’s literally a day of doing nothing else. Personally, I think it’s a wasted day, but I appreciate the completion of that task. Yesterday I found myself complaining over the length of time it takes me to complete my hair. The process begins with wash, then deep conditioning (which includes a heat cap) then rinse and condition again. After which I then style with two strand twists which takes forever. Can you hear the whining?
Lately, I’ve been the listener of several complaints. Usually, I encourage by reminding the complainer of all the good the Lord has done for us. And I heard myself yesterday. I really was quite bitter over the time lost because I still had so much to do. My listener (my first born) (oh the audacity!) then recited my same words back to me.
So, I went for walk. And saw the most beautiful rainbow. The colors were so vibrant and prominent. I remembered the Lord’s promise to me.
And although I was thoroughly soaked by the rain. And although I did pray that the Lord would hold the rain until I got to the car (He didn’t). Mentally and sometimes verbally I gave thanks for all my God had done for me. And guess what happened? I found there was no room for complaints. I found myself almost laughing as I ran back to my car.
Isn’t our God amazing how He does that? Wow! In spite of the happenings of life, give thanks today and see what happens.
What are you thankful for today?
24 responses to “EMBRACING GRATITUDE: FINDING JOY IN EVERYDAY STRUGGLES”
This is a beautiful reflection, Brenda.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, my friend. To our precious God be all the glory
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely, honest story: the long hair-wash day, the complaint you heard yourself voice, and then a walk in the rain where thanksgiving left no room for grumbling. The rainbow moment and your laughing run back to the car show how gratitude can change an ordinary day. 🌹
LikeLiked by 2 people
Our God is so good. He gives us so much for which we can be thankful. Thank you 🙏🏽 May the Lord bless you abundantly
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am thankful for the mornings spent in the quiet with the Lord. They make it easier for me to remember to be thankful in all things.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Amen and amen. That’s the best advice given
LikeLiked by 2 people
God is good all the time…all the time God is good!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Amen and amen. Great is our God
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wasn’t finished my comment and somehow it sent. My iPad was acting weird so now I’m on my computer to finish what I wanted to say. 😊
Thank you for sharing some of your struggles. Taking a whole day to wash your hair sounds so time-consuming! The rainbow is a beautiful reminder of God’s promises! Glad you were able to (almost) laugh in the rain!
I am thankful for God’s love and mercy!🙏
❤️carmen
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rainbows are such wonderful reminders of God’s promises to us.
LikeLike
Such a good reminder, Brenda. To be thankful, it definitely takes intentionality and sometimes a reminder from someone or in this instance reading it here 😁.
LikeLiked by 2 people
😆😆especially on the days when everything that can wrong, does. May the always remember the goodness of God
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m so thankful that we got to take our grandson out to lunch today to celebrate his new job. He leaves in two weeks! We got to talk for a long time and my husband and I fed him with food and positive thoughts.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Amen and amen. 🙏🏽 the days of fellowship leaves a lasting legacy. May the Lord keep such memories alive
LikeLiked by 2 people
Beautiful rainbow! Nature has a way of allowing us to refocus and get clarity. Wash days are time consuming lol.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You know it. I have to clear my calendar 😂😂. The sight of a rainbow always reminds me of the Lord’s promises. It’s a good reminder
LikeLiked by 2 people
I LOVE rainbows, and yours are gorgeous.
I am grateful today for the flexibility of retired time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen and amen. 🙏🏽 I am thankful for part time work. ❤️❤️ the Lord is good
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am thankful for this blog and the wonderful person and heart that writes it. I am so thankful to have taken a second to read this and reframe my day
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh how I love this baby of mine. Love you Cleo 🐻 The Lord blessed me when He gave me you. Have a blessed evening
LikeLiked by 1 person
I almost feel guilty for saying it takes me maybe 2 minutes to wash my hair. 🙂
Expressing our gratitude to God helps fend off complaining and bitterness.
LikeLiked by 2 people
😆😆 2 minutes! I love that for you ❤️ amen and amen. Our God truly is good
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right there with you, Brenda! I think I’ll walk the dogs now and thank God for His fall colors.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😆😆 amen 🙏🏽 as we should. Thanking God for His goodness takes away the moaning ❤️❤️
LikeLike