on a happiness brought about by gratitude

sometimes life gets hard.  when it does i tend to think back on each difficult season in the past decade or so and how quickly those ever so familiar, but long repressed pains begin to haunt me with aching clarity.  the bad brings reminder of the bad.  it seems to be the easiest and quickest thing for it to do.  almost as easy as it is to forget those moments when things are good and feel right.  i know i'll see those times again, i do...but for now i am living in a season of doubt and the heavy weight of a well-known oppression seems to be my current reality.  and so i am searching for anything and everything that offers a moment of joy, a reminder of grace, a feeling that is worthy of being captured by putting pen to page or creating a collection of images.  and when i come across it, you can be sure i am taking note.  it becomes my supply, my cherished gift that i treasure as i find my way back to what was or what is to be, and what i am to become.

this is my happiness//my thankful list for september:

-short commutes

-friendly starbucks baristas that encourage adventure in a cup of coffee

-unexpected laughs

-learning how to do something and getting it the first time

-parents that want to be partners in their child's education

-literature

-shorter days with hints of fall

-puppy excitement upon arriving home

-friends that text you just because

-ryan adams covering taylor swift

-commonalities

-new television seasons

-how Jesus calling is always spot on

-mindy kaling because she always gets it

-new running shoes

-pumpkin

-respect

-hebrews 10:23-25

-walking the aisles of barnes & noble

-having a mom who still listens to her daughter's every groan and complaint, who always answers her phone calls and who prays for her fervently

-declaring balance as more important than being perfect
-finding healing in unexpected conversations
-learning to step off the line of emotions
-accomplishing tasks
-rereading good books

-air conditioned environments
-planning for sweater weather