All the Married Ladies

It's that month.  You know the one where everyone on your Facebook and Twitter feeds are sharing their "30 Days of Thanksgiving". November.  The one month out of the year where nearly everyone can find something for which to be thankful.  As a matter of fact, I've been counting some blessings myself.

This morning was difficult to see thankful things.  Boys sick, not sleeping well and mom just not wanting to rise early.  So I spent some time in God's Word, the holy scriptures.  Reflecting on His promises.  And then on to breakfast. Words ringing in my head, echoing of conversations past and desiring to be truly thankful.  As I break open the eggs, my thoughts seem to focus on the things for which I've been less thankful.  He walks into the room preceded by our youngest child and I see thanks in a whole new light.



After nearly 9 years of marriage, how often have I expressed my specific thanks to and for my husband? This morning was less about me and more about us, as I chose to let go of my way and accept his help - help not asked for or offered, just given.  And I wondered, how often have I counted my blessings?  Blessings, gifts. Why am I thankful for him at all?  If I say I'm thankful for him, for our marriage, then my reasons are not all general but more specific.

• I'm thankful for his help with breakfast.


• I'm thankful for his not allowing the boys to speak to me in an improper tone.


• I'm thankful for the way he holds me close.


• I'm thankful for his spontaneous, fun personality.

And the list goes on and on and on.  What about you?  Are you thankful for your spouse? If so, in what ways?  Do you see the good in them and encourage them?  Can you find at least one thing to be thankful, truly thankful for in them daily?  I dare you.  I dare you to let go of selfishness, pride, bad advice, putting children ahead of your spouse and see the things, the gifts, given to you by your spouse.  Write them down, name them one by one.  One day, the children will grow up and move out, there will be changes in jobs and in the end it will just be the two of you.  Will you choose joy in your marriage - I dare you!