The Glad Game

It goes without saying that the past few months have taught me many lessons. The reoccurring theme in all of the lessons has been to remain in a state of thankfulness - no matter how difficult the day.

...Easier said than done.

Unfortunately it's not like riding a bike. I have found that I must constantly practice the "skill" of keeping my heart joyful or it will quickly begin to sour. There is a game I like to play (don't laugh at me)... It's called the glad game (inspired by the 1960 movie with Hayley Mills titled Pollyannna). The rules are simply to count your blessings - and you can always find a blessing.

It works every time. As I shift the mental list-making from tallying every trial to counting every blessing, I begin to notice how even the smallest thing can bring a great feeling of thankfulness. I shed the sense of entitlement and am showered with the sensation of awe and gratefulness.

The other day as I was cleaning the kitchen, I began to look around and thank God for the things that landed in my line of vision: the dishwasher, a cool house to escape the summer heat, photosynthesis (random, I know - I saw the trees outside in our backyard and I've always been amazed at the intricate process of converting carbon dioxide to oxygen), a pantry with food in it, running water, etc...

Then my eyes landed on our entertainment center in the next room.  I couldn't help but to smile. Our entertainment center is a reminder of God's attention to the "less significant" needs in our family.

We used to have a cheap, flimsy entertainment center. My husband and I purchased it early in our marriage and it served us well in the beginning. But after eight years (I said it was cheap) it was way past its prime. It would sway when I dusted it and I would pray for my children's protection when they played nearby. (I'm not exaggerating. The thing was precarious.)

Our old entertainment center.
You know you need a new one when the doors are on for added stability and not for aesthetic reasons.

We began to pray for a way to buy a new home for our TV and DVDs. But, with the expenses related to Grant's needs, spending money on a new piece of furniture just didn't seem possible. Well, leave it to God to prove to us that he cares for all our needs - big and small.

To make a long story short, one day we got a call from a friend saying that their neighborhood was in the processes of redecorating the clubhouse. They were getting rid of the furniture and wanted to know if we were interested in buying the barely used entertainment center - with bookshelves - for $175.

We said yes.

And now we have a wonderful piece of furniture with a great lesson attached to it. :)

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! 
Psalm 105:1

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

PS - If we ever have coffee together, ask me to tell you the whole story... it's pretty neat!