Being Thankful

Sometimes in life, I think it is easy to focus on the craziness that surrounds us.  It's certainly been that way for me lately.  I've been spending so much time working on the house repairs and getting back to "normal" that I have forgotten to take a minute to remember all of the positive, great things that are happening, too.  So, the point of this blog post is to remind myself, and maybe you, about living in the positive.


As I sit here typing this post, I hear the buzz of a saw and the constant drone of hammering.  The repairs have started on our house, and I find myself reflecting on the last few months.  I could list out some of the crazy things that have happened, but I feel like that would be recounting some of the troubles and that seems entirely selfish and unproductive.  I need to look forward, not behind.


Over the past few days, it has been hard to pull myself away from the images of destruction in Joplin, Missouri.  Just this morning I read an article where families are looking for their loved ones.  Can you imagine?  My heart aches for these families and they truly are a reminder that material possessions mean absolutely nothing.  I'm sure they would trade anything in this world to have their family members back.

Taken just as storm sirens sounded by Davedehetre and posted to Flickr.
He believes this is same cell cell that produced the Joplin tornado.

My family is fortunate.  Sure, the past few months have been difficult, but in many ways the things that have happened have brought us closer.  The love that surrounds us, and that often goes unspoken, was visibly evident in so many ways.  


So, as I sit here, I want to remind myself of something Ralph Waldo Emerson once said.  I should be thankful "for each new morning with its light, for rest and shelter of the night, for health and food, for love and friends, for everything Thy goodness sends."


Yes, things around here are starting to get back to normal, but for others the journey is just starting and they have a much longer road to travel.  Today, take a moment and think of just a few things you're grateful for...help someone else out...and pass the goodness along.


Ways To Help

• The American Red Cross is providing food, shelter and emotional support.  You can make a donation to them by calling 800-RED-CROSS or by texting "REDCROSS" to 90999 for a $10 donation.  
• World Vision is heading to Joplin with a focus on helping children, providing hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, etc.  To help World Vision in their efforts, donate $10 by texting the word "TORNADO" to 20222 or call 888-56-CHILD.
• The Salvation Army is helping feed families and first responders.  You can donate $10 by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by texting "JOPLIN" to 80888.  Donations may also be mailed to Joplin Tornado Relief, The Salvation Army, 3637 Broadway, Kansas City, MO  64111.