I'm Grateful...

My sister gave me some advice tonight to sit down and write out all the things I'm grateful for in life. I sort of scoffed at the idea when she sent it, as I already do that on a daily basis, but usually it's in the morning not too long after I wake up. I have the Gratitude! app on my phone. You write down a few things you are grateful for and then you hit the done button and up pops a nice message of inspiration. It's a good way to start my day. Usually helps to put me in a decent frame of mind before I go about with the majority of my day.

Today was a bit more difficult though. I did my best to start the day off right, but the circumstances of the day slowly wore away my good intentions. It's just one of those days, I suppose. Actually, it's not just one of those days. It's a day that seems as if it should have had a different outcome, a different plan, a different result. Should have, could have, right?

Anyway, so I was going to write down a list of things I'm grateful for in life, but then I realized that would probably be pretty boring, so I'll just type out a few of them and expand on why I'm grateful for them. That's not to say it still won't be boring, but perhaps slightly less boring than just a list.

I'm grateful for my roommates. 
When I moved into this place, I had never met any of them. They had no idea who I was or whether I'd be a good roommate, but they were nothing but gracious in welcoming me into their home. I'm not always the easiest person to get to know, so it was a bit awkward for a while, but it wasn't too long before we all figured it out and realized there was much fun to be had in this space. Good people recognize good people. That's not to say we're not all dumb every now and again, but the good parts trump the dumb parts. Thanks Greg, Rhom, Jen, and Bob.

I'm grateful for this avocado I will eat tomorrow. 
I feel as if I've sort of taken the avocado for granted over the years. I love guacamole, but I sort of dismissed it over the years, as I was tired of paying $6 for guacamole and only getting enough to eat half the serving of chips. Actually, I'm still bitter about that, but I've been buying them at the store and incorporating their soft, green deliciousness into my diet for the past few months and it's been nothing but pure happiness for my taste buds. I wonder if Jesus ever ate an avocado. I'll have to google that picture of the last supper to see if there's a bowl of guac on there somewhere. Maybe it won't be there as that was probably served as an appetizer while all those disciples were milling around making small talk. Regardless, I'm thankful for my avocado.

I'm grateful for this painting that I found today. 

I have no idea who this is, but as soon as I glanced upon it, I knew I needed to have it. Not unlike all the teen girls back in 1986 who too easily relinquished their tattered, flimsy veneer of innocence for a (most likely) disappointing quickie on the tour bus. It probably made for a great story when they got back to high school, but that skank label, once applied, is not easily removed.

Anyone know who this guy might be? The painting...and I had my roommate Alex verify that it is indeed a painting...is signed on the back by Lisa (last name I will not reveal) and it's dated 1986. I was in sixth grade back then. This guy was probably on his sixth shot of penicillin for his chronic case of syphillis.

Anyway, I'm grateful for finding this painting.

And I'm grateful for all the good times I've had the honor of sharing with all of you over the years. Life sucks sometimes, and it definitely did today, but it's always helpful to take a few steps back in order to appreciate all the good that also happens to us. Sometimes it's appreciating another person. Sometimes it's appreciating a passing smile. Sometimes it's having just enough laundry detergent to finish that last load of dirty clothes. Sometimes it's just nothing in particular...just soaking in the moment.

And sometimes, you just have to thank your sister Jennifer for helping you out when you need it.

Thanks, Jennifer. Love you!