1000 Gifts: 158 to 170

Honestly, today I don't feel much like speaking gratitude. Life feels heavy, difficult, confusing. But these days are, I suppose, when it's most crucial to choose to give thanks anyway.

158. This face, ornery, nestled in my lap.
 

 
159. The sweet smell of toddler sweat.

160. A nap with actual sleeping, two days in a row!

161. Finally cooking a real meal again.

162. Newborn babies.

163. The desire to change.

164. Sunshine.

165. Three dollar shoes.

166. Wild Cherry Pepsi.

167. A dishwasher, strange squeals and all.

168. Our faithful bus driver.

169. Choosing to speak thanks.

170. Always a chance to try again.

A Call to Action

As long as he doesn't convert it into action, it does not matter how much a man thinks about his repentance.
C.S. Lewis

1000 Gifts: 144 to 157

Just a list, belated, this week:

144. Words that stir the soul.

145. A "GREAT!" first day of school.

146. Open-window weather.

147. The bigger girl still singing her heart out.

148. Quiet moments after earlier bedtimes.

149. The whir of pedals heading down the drive.

150. Parents who pray.

151. My best-friend sister.

152. The cabin.

153. Disagreeing but still accepting.

154. June bugs around the too-small table.

155. Being led well.

156. Birthday treats at school.

157. Choosing to hope.