Messy Days

Monday was a really great day. Both boys slept in a little bit and then proceeded to take excellent naps during the day. Both boys were in a great mood most of the day. We had a successful trip to the grocery store where Ryan rode in the basket of the shopping cart for the first time and didn't even try to climb out. Dinner was healthy and delicious. Baths were taken and both boys were in their jammies by 8pm. It was the kind of day that I thanked God for when my head hit my pillow.

Then came Wednesday. It was a really messy day. It started at 4:45am when I thought a certain little baby had pooped their diaper, but turns out he didn't. We were awake for the day. Then the dog puked, Lucas spit up on me, and Ryan peed all over our bed. For the 3rd time in a week. This was all before 7am. It was the kind of day where everything was just "off". Nothing went according to my schedule. Naps were short or nonexistent. Toddler tempers were hot, practically scorching. It was the kind of day where no matter how much cleaning I did, the house just looked messy. Everywhere I stepped there were little cars under my feet. I bumped myself putting the double stroller into the car and bit my tongue really hard. It was a bad day. It was the kind of day where I didn't thank God at the end of the day.

But doesn't the Bible tell us to give God thanks in ALL things? Especially during difficult times, because God will use those experiences to strengthen our character and draw us closer to Him.

I've been told that I tend to be a glass-half-empty kind of person. And having that mindset means that I am probably missing countless opportunities to thank God for the blessings in my life. So to make up for yesterday, I have compiled a list of some things I should have thanked God for yesterday. Blessings that I failed to miss because I was too busy focusing on what I thought were the negatives.

~Ryan refused to eat his whole wheat toast with peanut butter for breakfast. But when I offered it to him later for his morning snack, he ate the entire thing.

~I got to take a shower. (!!!)

~I bought the boys a swing that I randomly found on sale while out this morning.

~I got home safely from running errands despite the fact that the tire pressure in my car is low.

~When we went outside after lunch Ryan shouted "Mommy, it's sunny!!!" and practically skipped around the yard in joy.

~Lucas tried fish for the first time at dinner and really liked it.

~Adam got home from work before 6pm! (Lately it's been closer to 8pm)

There are so many more things I am forgetting to list. Have you read One Thousand Gifts? It will definitely inspire you to take notice of every blessing in your life. Even the not so obvious ones.