Day 59

Our neighborhood was transformed into a winter wonderland this morning.  The ground was covered with snow... the perfect kind for building snowmen.  The trees were decorated in white.  It was beautiful.  I love how snow can transform the winter landscape from one of harsh lines to one of beauty.  It's just like God to use something simple to transform what we see into something new and breathtaking. 

My sons and I bundled up to build our first snowman of the year.  And I was excited because we got to put my Christmas snowman kit to use.  I have to confess that I'm not the best snowman builder.  Our snowman was unique... in that it was a mini-snowman.  He turned out cute with a Hershey Kiss looking hat thanks to the help of our neighbors.  And here's a picture...

When I was putting my son to bed tonight, he was bummed.  When I asked why, he shared that he wasn't happy with our snowman because it was a small one.  You see, after we built our snowman, we checked out our neighbor's snowman that was life size.  And my son became disappointed with ours because he was comparing it to theirs.  Have you ever been guilty of this kind of thinking?  You aren't satisfied with what you have because you think someone else has something better... maybe it's a house, a car, a vacation.  Or maybe it's a job, or someone's looks or size or talents.  When we start comparing ourselves with others, our contentment can slowly start to disappear... and thankfulness can quickly go out the window too. 

My son and I chatted about how God made each of us unique, just like our snowman was unique.  And we talked about the dangers of comparing ourselves to others.  I even tried to convince him that he should be excited that we had a snowman like no other... but it didn't work.  But the conversation we had was a good reminder to me to watch the comparison trap, especially if I want to be thankful.  And how can you snap out of the comparing mindset?  Be thankful!  I asked my son to list three things he liked about our snowman.  He did it, and while it didn't result in an "Oh, you're so right, Mom!  Our snowman is the best!", at least he thought a few positive things about it, right?  I'll take small steps in the right direction...

In case you're caught in a comparison trap right now, let Psalm 139:13-16 from The Message remind you that God created you and you are fabulous just the way you are... because there is no one else like you in the world!  How's that for something to be thankful for?

Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I’d even lived one day.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139&version=MSG

In addition to celebrating our first big snow in Kentucky, we are also celebrating our 6,500 thankful reason milestone.  I'm so thankful that your reasons keep pouring in each day.  Sixty-six days is a long time... and yet you continue on this journey with me... celebrating how much we have to be thankful for on a daily basis.  Your commitment to this experiment encourages me and touches my heart.  Thank you so much for faithfully choosing thankfulness each day!  Here's a picture of our 6,500 ornament.  It's the dark ornament on the far left.

Tonight, I am thankful for...

1.  My hubby getting up with the boys this morning so I could sleep in.  It was wonderful!!
2.  A productive day at home
3.  Building a snowman with the boys
4.  Using my new snowman kit
5.  Watching my boys and my neighbor's kids play in the snow... snow angels, snowball fights and rolling in the snow
6.  Catching up with my good friend
7.  Two sweet cards I received in the mail today
8.  Watching basketball with my boys
9.  Listening to my three year old cheer:   Yea!... ahhh (when they took a shot and missed)
10.  My seven year old getting into the basketball game... during the first half
11.  Brothers who enjoy playing together
12.  Giggles while playing
13.  Pizza for dinner
14.  Watching Mater's Tall Tales and listening to my seven year old quote the movie
15.  My three year old telling me to watch what's coming in the movie
16.  God's reminder to not compare myself with others
17.  How thankfulness can help me keep my mind on the right things
18.  God blessing me every day... even though I don't deserve it
19.  The beauty of freshly fallen snow
20.  Being able to talk to God anytime and knowing that He hears every prayer
21.  How my hubby manages important things for our family... and does it so well
22.  God creating me to be unique and one of a kind

Here's to 10,000 reasons... Only 3,546 to go...