My Gratitude

Well, it's been much longer than I had planned since I last wrote. I'm confident that I'll be able to write more soon, but right now I'm finding it hard to care for Anlon and keep up with all of the other things that are important to me. I've thought a lot about writing over the last few weeks and I've been asking God to give me insight, because I feel like so far He has really inspired my posts. And He answered my prayer - over the last week, my mind has literally been flooded with things that I'm grateful for. So much so that I've been writing things down when I'm stopped at traffic lights so that I wouldn't forget. It's really been encouraging to meditate on all of my blessings, since it's easy for me to get caught up in life's difficulties. So here's my list so far, in no specific order...

I'm thankful

1. for Vipul and the sides of him that only I get to see
2. for Anlon and the sweet, happy baby that he is (despite not sleeping nearly enough!)

3. that Vipul is a hands-on Dad
4. that our parents love Anlon
5. to have the freedom to vote for our country's leaders
6. that God is in control of history
7. for genuine, supportive, fun girlfriends
8. that despite having a history of depression, I didn't suffer from post-partum depression
9. that I'm able to have the greatest job I've ever had - being home with Anlon
10. for the cooler weather and Fall, my favorite season
11. to live in the greatest nation in the world
12. for my dear friend Chrissy's sweet offer to watch Anlon so we could have a great date night

13. for neighbors who stop us to see Anlon
14. for Metropolitan Ministries and the good work they do in our community
15. that we chose the name Anlon (it's Irish and means 'great champion')
16. for Anlon's growing library of books
17. for feeling God's presence more and more
18. for relationships restored
19. for the movie 'A Beautiful Mind' and the insight it gives into mental illness
20. that despite the fact that our townhome is feeling much smaller with a baby and has lost considerable value, most days I'm completely content living here
21. for hearing Vipul sing praise songs to the Lord when he doesn't know I'm listening :)
22. that after months of deciding on nursery decor, I love the simple, classic look we chose
23. for our sweet cat Sebo who follows me into Anlon's room every time I wake up to feed him and then follows me back out
24. for cleansing rain
25. for crisp, white sheets
26. for our church and the leadership that Pastor Craig provides
27. for capable, compassionate RNs that I worked with at Moffitt Cancer Center
28. for intelligent, caring, fun RDs that I worked with in the department of Nutrition Therapy
29. for Bible Study Fellowship
30. for the beautiful, rich culture of Vipul's family

31. for the fun trip we have planned this weekend with good friends (Anlon's first road trip!)
32. for my Grandmom who was a living example of Jesus's love
33. that God is revealing areas of ugly pride in my heart
34. that my Mom and Dad are friends
35. for my strong, capable Mom
36. for our church worship band 97 West's cd and how it calms Anlon in the car when he's fussy (usually!)
37. for the Johnston family and our Sunday lunches with them
38. that God's grace covers my countless sins
39.that Vipul puts my needs before his own
40. for possibilities