grateful for

:: The coats and hats dropped in a heap by the backdoor, the shoes on the stairs and the socks that missed the laundry basket. Even though life is a constant game of picking up, there are little bodies that wear these warm things and there are these warm things to wear, and for that I am grateful.

:: The dirty dishes that litter the counter in the evening when all too often both grownups are too tired to empty and reload the dishwasher until morning. Even though it's never a happy thing to look at, there is food on the table and a family to eat it with, and for that I am grateful.

:: The careers Andrew and I piece together day by day. Even though there's no job security, we spend most of our hours together or near, just how we like it, and for that I am grateful.

:: The many therapists who help my son learn and grow. Even though we long for Elliott to be whole, we get to celebrate his development with a talented and caring team of people who want the very best for our three year old, and for that we are grateful.

:: The weird contraptions, strange concoctions and hand-dug, rock-filled holes that surprise us daily. Even though he makes a mess of our yard and our house, my six-year-old has incredible imagination, initiative and ingenuity, and for that I am grateful.

:: The big job I was counting on and lost. Even though we needed that income, I now have the time to sew my funky, recycled jean skirts and get a dream off the ground, and for that I am grateful.

:: The family, friends, neighbors and church family who love and encourage me and my family. Those special people who make my life rich and full and blessed. For that I am grateful. Nothing but grateful.