During this difficult journey of recovery it is easy to see all the hard, difficult, bad, horrible things. We can forget to look at anything positive. It is easy to do. Since our minds will not forget what happened and often relive the events until we process them, it makes it hard to think of anything good.
However, this can lead us into deeper depression and hopelessness. I completely understand going down this road. I do it every day. I too find it hard to look at the good or positive. It is something that I have to intentionally do. Usually I have to even make a note to remind myself to do it.
To be thankful for anything. Because many days I ask God, “What is there to be thankful for?” It’s one reason I wrote my book last year called, “Chocolate and Rainbows: Remembering Life’s Blessings”. Not really to sell or for anyone else, but for me. To remember there are things to be thankful for. Simple things we often take for granted. Here is an example I wrote about I think you can not only agree with, but hopefully it will make you smile.
I AM THANKFUL FOR: DEODORANT
Okay, time to laugh today. Think how stinky life would be without deodorant. Kind of scary to think about! Yes, there are places where people don’t wear deodorant or have access to it. Even in the U.S.
I am thankful to wear deodorant and choose which one works best for me. Deodorant is a luxury in life, especially in the Midwest where summer temps can be in the 100’s!
“I don’t wear cologne. I do occasionally, but anytime I take a shower, I just put on deodorant. That’s basically what I smell like.” Mads Mikkelsen
There are so many things we have to be thankful for in this life despite the obstacles and difficult journey we are facing. I did not grow up in a home where we said grace before our meals and I never got into the habit of it as an adult. However, many days at the end of the day God will remind me I had food to eat that day and I will thank Him for providing. It is a blessing indeed.
I complain that I am unable to work because of my PTSD, and how frustrating my days can be. However, I am grateful God is providing for my needs and for therapy so I can heal. That I am not just having to forgo therapy and have no hope in getting better. It may not be the way I would like things to go, but He is providing.
As I reread my book today I was reminded again of the many things we have to be thankful for and many more that come to my mind right now. The sun is shining today and my home is in tact. It has been raining so much here in the mid-west we’ve had many cloudy days, extensive flooding, and last night a tornado warning. However, God has spared my home as well as others, and today provided needed sunshine.
So I’ll leave you with one last “promise” we can all be thankful for. This one comes through the storms and find its way to us when the sun starts to shine again. Showing us in God’s way there is hope beyond the storms of this life.
A rainbow – God’s promise to us. He will get us through this journey, this storm in life, no matter how long it lasts. No matter how dark and stormy it appears right now when God brings us through and the sun begins to shine there will be a rainbow waiting. Until then, let’s remember to thank God for the blessings He does give us so we don’t lose hope on this journey.
Thank you God for the blessings you provide for me. For food, a place to rest, the shelter of my home, clothes, therapists who help us heal, the internet where you help us connect, Your word and Your love. There are so many I haven’t mentioned. Remind me of them each day, and provide me with hope for this journey.
Amen
If you would like to read about more blessings, my book Chocolate and Rainbows: Remembering Life’s Blessings is now available as an ebook. You don’t have to have a Kindle to get it. You can get Kindle for free if you download the app on your phone or ipad. Then simply purchase the ebook on Amazon and select to send it to your device. So easy! Blessings to you!
© 2019 Susan M. Clabaugh. All Rights Reserved.
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