This post will be without images, not because I don't have any, but because Typepad has again "made things better" to the point where no one is able to load images anymore. I have some cute doggie pics that maybe I'll be able to show you tomorrow--maybe not. Typepad is definitely NOT one of my blessings today.
This morning, I've been thinking of blessings. Sometimes it's easy for me to let myself slip into a funk of feeling sorry for what I've lost or for what I don't have. But the truth is that my blessings far outweigh my travails.
Sometimes at night, instead of saying my prayers, I literally count my blessings. I always fall asleep before I'm finished counting.
I've been through hard times. I can look back over my life and wonder how I came out the other side of some of those times. But if I think closely, I can find blessings o'plenty even in those tough times. Even when I didn't know where the money was coming from to pay the power bill, I had ears to hear my children laugh, eyes to see them smile--and the power bill always seem to get paid, eventually.
In the rare times when I experienced betrayal from loved ones, I had friends and family to stand with me and assure me that times would be better.
When the worry and anxiety hung over me like a thick cloud of pooping pigeons, I could still enjoy a good song, a good cup of coffee--or I could lose myself for a while in a good book and leave those worries behind.
And when I lost the love of my life, an experience I never dreamed I could survive, I was surrounded by an unbelievable amount of love and support that pulled me along and made the bumps and jagged places smoother.
And now, when the pain, fatigue and frozen muscles and joints of fibromyalgia seem like too much, I have memories of good times and sacred moments to dwell on instead of the discomfort. I recollect times when I could run, jump, bend, and even squat with no problem at all.
I also have a bunch of dogs to make me get up and play with them, feed them, or take them outside. They never let me wallow in self pity for too long. I feel sorry for anyone who isn't blessed with at least one doggie. Especially sleeping doggies, which all three of mine are right now. (Actually, I only have two doggies, but I feel like I share ownership of Miss Daisy.)
Happy Sunday morning, everyone. I hope you feel as blessed as I do this fine, cool Sabbath. If not, get to counting your blessings. And don't stop till you feel hugely blessed, as I do--Typepad notwithstanding.
This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.
On 09/05/2010, toni said ...
Sue, you are such a blessing and a true inspiration. Thank you.
On 09/05/2010, Barbara Anne said ...
Thank you, Susie, for being such a blessing to us. It's always a good time to count blessings. May our blessings always come to mind in good times and in hard times.
"God has two homes. One in heaven and the other in a grateful heart."
Today is the 2nd lovely cool day, the 2nd day of my left lower back hurting, but today I was able to empty 6 boxes of magazine back issues into the three underbed drawers I emptied on Thursday. I'm thankful I could do that and am tired, but something was accomplished!
I hope typepad plays nicely tomorrow.
Be good to you!
Hugs!
On 09/05/2010, Ruth said ...
I too have blessings too numerous to count,thanks for reminding me not to forget them. Thankyou Susan for your inspiring blog; you are indeed a blessing.
Hugs Ruth
On 09/05/2010, Brenda Kula said ...
I am utterly convinced that dogs not only make us smile daily. But that they extend our lives due to the enhancement of our quality of life.
Brenda
On 09/05/2010, Helen in Switzerland said ...
Dear Susan,
I hope you know what an inspiration and positive example you are to all of us out here in blogland. Your posts always cheer my day along. Thank you and God bless, Helen
On 09/05/2010, Sharon said ...
Susan - One of the support groups I was in had us jot down every day for 10 days, 10 things we were thankful for on that day, things we appreciated. That would make a list of 100 things! Some days it was a challenge to come up with 10, but I did it - they included (in addition to the obvious ones) "a good night's sleep", "my microwave", "A new magazine in the mail" - etc. etc., - really made me aware of all I have in my life to be truly thankful for.
On 09/05/2010, Kai said ...
My very wise grandmother told me this when I was all of 7 years old: "Anytime you wake up and aren't glad to greet the morning, go back to bad until you get your thoughts straight because - believe me - the problem is YOU, not the day." I later learned that this is a common belief among all the tribes (and that she had paraphrased it, of course) but I never forgot it. I think that counting one's blessings is the very same thing. I love you, Susan! YOU are a blessing - and an inspiration - to us all!
On 09/06/2010, Pat McDonald said ...
Oh Susan, thank you!! You are a blessing to so many including me. I've mentioned my troubles to you before, caring for my 91 yo dad and my sister has cancer, but you are absolutely correct. There is always a long list of blessings at the end of each day!! I count reading your blog as one of them! Also, I enjoy your discriptive writing "anxiety hung over you like a thick cloud of pooping pigeons". And, I do agree, I can't be unhappy having two labs. They just wont allow it! God bless you!
On 09/06/2010, Gretchen said ...
Wonderful post. Thank you.
On 09/07/2010, Jan Maniatis said ...
Susan - yes, more to be grateful for than we realize. When I am down, I think, "I sure wouldn't want to change places with xxx or I don't know how they go on" and I know God gives us what we can handle even tho' at times the burden is great. You are a blessing. Happy Tuesday.
On 09/07/2010, Debby Messner said ...
I've been telling you Susan "who sent that doggie to you." ((((HUGS))))
On 09/08/2010, Wendy said ...
Always inspiring to read your messages. Love the doggie news and pictures too.
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