Why Not Count a Few Blessings?

We live in a world where our pace and "priorities" often make us forget some of the things that matter most.  Faith will be having eye surgery again at the end of the month, my dad is back in town after a 2-year hiatus, my brother is getting married in 6 weeks, and (as usual) I should do the dishes.  In what order to I arrange these parts of my life...mother, daughter, sister, wife?  My head is swarming with concerns, questions and to do lists, and my calendar is full, full, full.

When I go to bed at night my thoughts are focused on what's next: lessons to be taught, doctors to be seen, homework folders to be checked, meetings to attend.  It is rare that I pause to think about the moment I am in, and to be honest, I am in the middle of a few pretty great moments.  As I was settling into bed tonight, I thought I'd stop to be grateful for what I'm in the middle of.

So, here, in no particular order, are a few of the great things that are happening in my life right now:

I am going to be 30 in 5 weeks, and I don't think there is anything scary about being 30.  My children have wonderful grandparents and great-grandparents.  I really love being a teacher (except for when the crazy kid bangs his head against the locker while screaming at me).  I am a weight watcher, and I'm excited about it.  My kids are healthy and doing well in school.  My husband makes me laugh and is a terrific father.  I have good friends, and I know they are always there for me, just a phone call away.  I am working towards forgiveness.   The weather is finally mild enough to sleep with the windows open (as long as my trashy neighbors aren't outside).  My brother is getting married in 6 weeks.  It is September, and I am not coaching tennis.

Thankfully, I could go on...

Yesterday was September 11th, a date that will never pass without causing me to reflect on the blessings I have been given.  Tonight, my husband and children are resting comfortably in their beds, and I have much to be thankful for, so I am working toward slowing things down a bit.  Yes, my calendar is full and the kids keep me running, but there is no need to constantly be thinking about what's next.  So, right now, I'm off to kiss my kiddos before I crawl into bed to enjoy the fact that my bedroom window can be kept open tonight.