Monday, January 5, 2009

Fun Monday - thank God it's a New Year


This week's Fun Monday is hosted by Faye at Summit Musings. This is what she wants to know.


"What's on your mind as we close out 2008 and begin 2009? Large and small. What are often your first thoughts the minute you wake up? When you're alone and unguarded? Working? Stuck in traffic? Playing with the children? Walking the dogs? When you can't sleep?"


First and foremost on my mind is gratitude. My family is blessed. We are healthy and happy and fairly close, both emotionally and geographically. We are in a position to be able to afford the luxury of pets, who give us inestimable joy.


I am thankful to be employed. I am thankful that my husband is employed, as is my daughter. In this era of financial turmoil and stress, I am thankful to be stress free. This is due in part to the fact that I had no investments to lose and in part to the Lord's Prayer, as said during the Catholic Mass. After the congregation prays the Lord's Prayer together, the priest adds this:


"Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever."


to which we all respond:


"Amen."


Whenever I am tempted to fret and worry about things beyond my control, I take great comfort in knowing that it's not my job nor is it my responsibility.


This is not to say that I have no worries. It just means that I try to only worry about things that I have control over or that I can change. I am not ignorant of the dangers of the world and I do my level best to make sure that those I love are protected and informed. I am not ignorant of the needs of those less fortunate and I do my level best to make sure that I and those I love do our part to help. The rest is not up to me. It is up to Him and for that, I am truly thankful.

11 comments:

Celeste said...

I think much of the attitude of our society would improve if people could learn to recognize how many blessings that they have already been given. Even as I worry about my father (a reference to my post), I am very aware that the blessings have already been given.

Hootin Anni said...

Come read mine if you can find time. Happy Fun Monday!! I like your thankful, thoughtful post for you as an individual.

Pamela said...

oh my. spam beat me here.

you are so right. Waste ourselves worrying. Not a waste to pray.

thanks for good word today.

Sayre said...

You can delete that you know...

I think you've got the right attitude. Things can always get worse - and they can always get better. All you need to do is keep on keeping on and let the Big Guy worry about the rest.

Anonymous said...

Boy that person had a real rant and rave. If we all counted our blessings and stopped focusing on the bad, it would be a much better place to live in. God does have a plan for all of us.

Driftwood and Pumpkin said...

Hello...can anyone say TROLL! Anyway, your post sounds a lot like mine...focusing on simplicity! Hooray for being happy about what you have!

Anonymous said...

I think you have your head screwed on in the best possible way. I think if we could all stop playing competition with the Joneses, we'd all be much happier.

Molly said...

I admire your grateful attitude. I hope that you and your family have a blessed year. Take care.

Alison said...

great post Sandy, very insightful, thank you for the simple reminders, they are so important.

Faye said...

I agree with you about the "luxury of pets." So many stories are surfacing about people who cannot afford to feed their pets and surrendering them. I would not have the quality of life without my boy Willie's company.

I'm glad that you have a strong family network and that everyone in the family pulls together. And, when I read your comments on your faith, I thought of my friend Sally. She is good to the bone and has unshakable faith.

ChrisB said...

Family is the most important part of my life so I can totally relate to what you have said.

 
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