Blessings in disguise!

Note: This is NOT my sink!!! 

Have you ever heard the saying "be careful what you pray for because what you pray FOR today you may be praying ABOUT tomorrow" or "be careful what you wish for"? Sometimes we can find ourselves wishing for things we don't have or resenting things we do have. Or we may not be thankful for thing things we DO have and be envious of what we think others have. It can be a viscous cycle to find yourself in. 

Unfortunately, there are times I find myself complaining about certain things I have to do around the house -- laundry, dishes, bathrooms, beds --- you know, the housework stuff.  I mean, I love to have a clean house but I hate to clean. I love to cook but I hate washing the dishes.  I think I've discovered that I'm a goal oriented person.  If I have a project, I want to have a deadline and be done with it.  It's not like that with maintaining a house with kids and a husband.  The project is never done.  I thought about this poem I found several years ago and decided to post it.  It's a great reminder - at least for me it is.  Maybe it will help you put some things in perspective in your life like it does for me.  We have so much to be thankful for and although it comes in unexpected packages we should still see the gifts around us!!! 

Thankful Prayer

Lord, thank you for this sink of dirty dishes; we have plenty of food to eat.

Thank you for this pile of dirty, stinky laundry; we have plenty of clothes to wear.

And I would like to thank you, Lord, for those unmade beds; they were so warm and comfortable last night. I know that many have no bed.

My thanks to you, Lord, for this bathroom, complete with all the splattered mirrors, soggy, grimy towels and dirty lavatory; they are so convenient.

Thank you for this finger-smudged refrigerator that needs defrosting so badly; it has served us faithfully for many years. It is full of cold drinks and enough leftovers for two or three meals.

Thank you, Lord, for this oven that absolutely must be cleaned today. It has baked so many things over the years.

The whole family is grateful for that tall grass that needs mowing, the lawn that needs raking; we all enjoy the yard.

Thank you, Lord, even for that slamming screen door. My kids are healthy and able to run and play.

Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me says You have richly blessed my family. I shall do them cheerfully and I shall do them gratefully.

Amen