11.10.2014

Giving Thanks {Two}

Yesterday, we went to church. We went to early mass so we could get some things done afterward, as the next few weeks bring with them house guests, birthdays, and the true kick-off to the Holiday Season (despite what the mall suggests to us): Thanksgiving.

We were home by 10 am, and the kids ran around Mr. Kuda while he completed some much needed yard and house work. I *finally* got around to tackling some piles in my office. I vacuumed, I dusted, all while listening to a book on tape and enjoyed some much needed solitude before the craziness of the next few weeks settle in. We planned an early Sunday dinner, and my mom came over. We ate. We relaxed on the couch, basking the ordinary-ness of it all.

Little fragments of thoughts tried to pry their way in to my mind: the decorations I want for my house, the dinner I want to host, the family we should plan. But I was able to keep those thoughts at bay. Because today, in all of its ordinary and normal? It was a great day. There were tantrums and "no!" There were unchecked items on my never endig to do list. But there were life breathed moments that, while ordinary, became extraordinary. Because they were ours.

Sometimes I get so busy trying to make the life I think I should have to be memorable, that I forget to be thankful for the beautiful life set directly in front of me.


Miss E took a nap yesterday. So when I went to do my final rounds before finding my own slumber, I wasn't surprised to hear her sing-songy voice as I approached her door. I can't really remember the specifics of our conversation, but I know she asked to play with my hair, and I know she told me she loved today because all of her family were in the same house. I held up my fingers to take a "memory picture" of her sweet face. When she asked why, I told her that I took a picture in my mind because I wanted to remember this moment with her sweet face forever.

She grinned.

You can do that?

You can do whatever you want with your memories, Em.

She smiled again.

Thankful. For the ordinarily extraordinary. For the normal and mundane. For the expected and routine. Thankful.

**

Sometimes we just get caught up in the details, yes? Regardless of our circumstances, we have so many sweet things to be thankful for. As you take time to look around, what are you thankful for this week?


Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

xoxo, k.

Hooking up with some amazing inspiration on this Monday! Head on over!

16 comments:

  1. It sounds like you had a lovely and relaxing day--and took some great 'pictures'! I've started a '1000 gifts' journal--it's really helping me to seek out the gifts that surround me and to whine less about little things that bug me ;).

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    1. I've heard so many great things about that book! I actually *try* to write something I'm thankful for each day in my planner. It definitely keeps things in perspective :)

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  2. I love this Karin! Taking the virtual snapshots is a wonderful idea but better still the recognition of extroidinary in the ordinary. You've inspired me to remember that! I hope your week is filled with an abundance of beautiful ordinary!

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    1. Thanks, Cindy! I hope yours is filled with the same :)

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  3. That is so encouraging friend! Sometimes, I feel like my Sundays are SO rushed, when in reality, this should be a time of rest (yet with young kids, "rest" takes on a new form of its own). These pictures are a great start to a new week! Good idea (I might steal it!). Thanks!

    http://www.bethanyboring.com

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    1. You may absolutely steal it! Thank you for your encouraging words!

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  4. Visiting from Inspire Me Monday!

    This was very timely for me to read... yesterday I woke up expecting the day to go one way and it went a completely different way that threw me off and frustrated me. I let the entire day slip away with my small annoyances. I definitely didn't take the time to be thankful. Today is a chance to turn that all around. Thank you for the reminder!

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    1. As a recovering perfectionist, I am so with you... It's amazing how one little change in routine can just throw me off for the rest of the day. So happy to have you here today, and hope your week is full of thanks moving forward :)

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    2. Oh! And I wanted to mention how much I adored your 31 days series. Awesome.

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  5. You are so right! There's always much to be thankful for. Today I'm super thankful for my uncle, who is replacing my kitchen faucet. And when that faucet is in, I'll be super thankful for that, too!

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  6. Beautiful post. I too have been seeking to be thankful for the ordinary life and not let it pass me by in busyness or tiredness. It really is those little moments that make a memorable life.

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  7. Loved this post! You are so right the ordinary truly is extraordinary especially when we take the time to notice it. Thankful for so much today!

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    1. Thank you, Tara! It's something I really need to tattoo to my forehead so I don't forget. Thanks for reading!

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  8. That quote you had about being too busy looking for what we think we need.. yes. I needed that reminder. Loved this!

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