Counting my Blessings ... "One ... two ... three ..."

The role of motherhood is not always glamorous nor easy. I choose to live my life as an open book and the honest truth is that this week I haven't exactly been practicing too much thankfulness - naughty I know, in light of the whole "Thanksgiving" reminders from my American friends. I guess, sometimes I get so wrapped up in trying to survive the roller coaster ride of parenthood that when the day finally comes to an end and I see how short I fall, because, let's face it ... kids know how to expose the downright u-g-l-y in us at times ;) ... I wonder when I am ever going to get it all right?! I even contemplated trying to come up with a new blog name ... I mean "love in action" is hard to keep practicing when you have a strong willed child who just HAS TO test every last one of your boundaries and parenting pointers.  An illustration for you ... I decided to teach my girls about the whole Thanksgiving tradition in the US. My mom has been living in VA for the last 4 years so I have picked up on some of the beautiful traditions through her and my new American friends. Well, as I started explaining it to my eldest, she burst out into a huge tantrum DEVASTATED that she had to go to school this week when she now knows that the kids over in the great US of A are having some good ol family time off school :-) Ahhh .... kids ... You can always count on them to keep you grounded! I stood there confounded by how we had gone from a lesson in thankfulness to a full on temper tantrum?!

Anyway - it took a few days to get the "thankfulness" to finally kick in a little and she even managed to be happy for those having a few days off school :) How nice! So now here I am examining my own heart to practice thankfulness too. After having a good chance to think about it ...

1) I am thankful that I have 2 strong little girls who aren't ever going to be push-overs, but are warrior princesses in the God's Kingdom :o) I am thankful for the daily lessons that I learn through them. The Lord continues to teach me so many valuable lessons as I am drawn to my knees daily through this role of parenthood.

2) I am so thankful for the strong man that God has given me who treasures his family. That in itself is a treasure ... a family that treasures each other. I can honestly say that I am a woman who knows that I am celebrated and treasured. My heart aches for those who don't always feel that way.

3) My greatest joy comes from knowing that God treasures us ALL as His very favorite!!!  That truth alone is worth celebrating each day!!!

Now that I am counting my blessings ... I realise what a good week it actually has been. I've made new memories with my girls ... I've met new friends ... I've touched hearts with old friends ... I'm anticipating special family time in December when my family all gets together for the holidays ... I've learned new truths and gained more wisdom ... I've been kissed by the most handsome man in the world ... sigh! It's been a good week.