Gratitude

Isn't it crazy how drastically things can change from week to week? The last post I had on this blog was completely the oposite of how I feel right now. I knew as I typed the words that eventually I would look back on them and wonder how. How could a girl as blessed as I am ever even fathom complaining like that. So, here's the apology. I didn't mean it. Just a bad day.
Tonight, as I sit in the warm comfort of my Nana's room I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude to the amazing God who created me, loved me enough to die for my sins, and who gave me my family and friends. Gratitude for the girl lying on the bed behind me, and the voices just outisde this door loudly exclaiming the current score of their epic battle of Rook (they've been at it for hours,I don't know how they do it)! Grateful for the small sparkles that are mixed into the paint of the off-white color on my Nana's wall. If you weren't looking for them, they wouldn't be the first thing you recognize. But, they always remind me how special she is, and how special I am to be a part of this family. Gratitude for the phone that just rang. Yet another call from a family member or friend calling to brighten our day and say hello. Gratitude for my Grandad who has been gone for 7 years, but has not once left my heart. Thankful for the legacy he left and the sermons he preached. I can listen to them on tape any time of the day and feel him as if he were sitting right beside me. Gratitude for the soft, floral print of my great-grandmother's bedroom, who has been gone for 5 years. Thankful that when we congregate here Cheryl, Kayla, and I always sleep in her bedroom. Thankful that I can look at the pictures on her wall and the subtle reminders all around her room, reminding me that we will definitely see her again one day. How awesome will that day be???
Basically, I want to remember this feeling. Remember how it feels to literally be counting your blessings. So, that when I have a day like I did last week and it feels like things may fall apart, I can remember that I have so many more things keeping it together.