Gratitude

 The past weeks have been full of many emotions. Not just me, in Ghana, but everyone, everywhere. As we realize this pandemic is affecting us, and will continue to affect us, much longer than we were hoping. We start realizing what we knew all along. We aren't in control of our lives. We never were, but we liked to think we had a little say in it. We feel frustrated when week after week our hopes of being able to plan events for the rest of the year are put on hold. I have dealt with a lot of ups and downs and am still experiencing that. But in the past week or two something has changed.
the corn in Ghana is growing well
I will find myself watching my children play and be overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude. I see the men of the house come and go and suddenly I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I watch a gorgeous sunrise and I am overwhelmed with gratitude.
It is a feeling that hits me suddenly. And it is a blessing from God.
I'm grateful for my children who are growing so fast. I want to treasure these days when they are all little and under my care. I am grateful for health and strength for everyone, and especially my husband. I think the only thing worse than having a sick child in Ghana would be having a sick husband! I'm grateful for life and the privilege of living in this beautiful country.
This deep feeling has helped balance my lows. My frustration of the unknown future.The feelings of homesickness. The hopeless feeling of ever being able to have travel plans and see our family and friends again.
It takes my discouragement and turns me back to God. It reminds me why I am here. Not here in Ghana. Here in this world.
It helps me look at the small things in life and treasure them for the blessings they are.
An attitude of gratitude. Being able to see the bright side of things.
I think it will be something I need to work on for the rest of my life. But I really want to be able to look at things and say, "God is in control. And I am thankful!"
These pictures are from a recent Sunday evening walk. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous lately. We found a spot that we could look out over our village and see all the way to the ocean. It was too hazy to see it clearly though.

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