1,000 Gifts - The Joy Dare

So as a continuation of counting to 1,000, A.Voskamp is adding to it each month - The Joy Dare.  Want to join in?   Want to know more?  Click Here.

I have found it to be a great exercise in really stopping, really thinking about even the small things as gifts.

3 gifts at 3pm:
136.  alone at last - quiet!
137.  coffee made for me by my favorite man
138.  the sunshine streaming in my window, promising me warmer days

3 gifts green:
139.  the bulb leaves poking up through the dirt - I'm noticing them all around
140.  cucumbers on sale and children that love them!
141.  avocados and all things yummy you can make from them

3 gifts wore:
142.  a ring my husband surprised me with on a beach almost 8 years ago
143.  a ring my parents gave me as I pledged to them and my future man, my promise
144.  a little pink shirt i gave this morning to the girl in my life who loves all things pink

3 gifts hard to give thanks for:
145.  an amazing ministry we are called to although that brings us away from family
146.  time to love-on and snuggle and take care of loved ones during an illness that ends up slowing me down
147.  god's timing - when it isn't ours

3 gifts found
148.  a book I picked up at the library - The Zookeeper's Wife.  It has challenged me in many areas!
149.  walking in to A's room this morning and finding his bed all made
150.  3 bunches of snowdrops blooming under a pile of leaves in the garden

a gift bent, a gift broken, a gift beautiful
151.  bananas?  okay it's a stretch.  but these yellow gems truly are a gift to this family!
152.  the dollhouse I made Eli for Christmas.  broken?  yes and many of its pieces.  frustrated?  yes.  i am learning through my attitude what message i am sending my children about the importance i place on "things".  treat them with respect - yes.  but do not cherish them above people.
153.  my friend's character.  she is going through a trial, yet is keeping her eyes "on the mark" and it is beautiful.