The Beating of a Thankful Heart

Sometimes, clarity is found in quiet…in absence.

Somedays are full of stillness and I find myself spending more time being mindful of all that is right before me. It seeps through the cracks of my days and keeps me thoughtful through the night. In the midst of the daily chaos, the messes, and the stress, I find myself determined to just breathe and be.

More than likely though, there’s little time for quiet, and instead of stillness it’s utter chaos. Like lots of moms, my days are spent taking care of everyone else. It seems like cooking, cleaning, and diaper changes are on a constant loop with a million other things in between. More often than not, it’s easy for me to see that these things are a gift. I was blessed with these children to take care of. These dishes mean they have full bellies. These messes mean they have toys to play with.

Somedays, however I can’t find that welcomed clarity and thankfulness.

All that seeps through the cracks is anger and impatience. On those days, I have to look for a reason to be happy. I have to chase that clarity and make time to breathe. This is a promise I’ve made to myself, and to my family.

I promise to remember myself. I promise to find the time to breathe and to be grateful.

There is so much to say, and even more to do. But the most important order of business is a grateful heart every day, no matter the circumstances.  Life is good. It’s not perfect or easy or black and white. It is full of gray areas. And in those gray areas we have to take it one step, one day at a time. We have to be able to be grateful that there are still steps to take.

Life can be hard. Really hard. But when all is still in my spirit, it leaves room to listen to the beating of a thankful heart. Sometimes, it seems like we are feeling our way through the dark.

But really, there are little lights along the way.