Blessed

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who struggles with Mondays.  I’m not sure if it’s my lack or organization, lack of sleep, or lack of work that gets done on Sundays.  Mondays are rough for me.

It’s all to easy for me to shift into “survival” mode.  You know that mode…when your only goal for the day is to make sure everyone makes it through the day alive.  You toss Cheerios at any kid who whines, hide in the corner with a knitting project and chocolate and occasionally poke your head up to yell at the kids if they are misbehaving.  By “you” I mean “me.”

I think on Mondays, I need extra reminding of how much God has blessed me.  I’m continually encouraged by looking back to times in my life when a bill that I couldn’t get paid got paid with money I wasn’t expecting.  I’m reminded when someone brings me a meal when I have felt at the end of my mental rope.  I’m reminded by the card I got in the mail after my miscarriage.  I’m reminded of the bouquet of dandelions that my boys picked for me.  I’m reminded of the snuggles I get when I get up to help a baby who can’t sleep.

God blesses us in so many ways, doesn’t He?  I’m thinking about specific moments like my kids hugging each other before bed.  I’m not just thankful for my sister, I’m thankful we are able to talk on the phone at least once a week!  I’m thankful she’s there to talk me off ledges and snap me out of stupidity.

So here’s what I propose.  Starting next Monday, and God willing, every following Monday, I’d like to set the day aside to talk about how we have been blessed.  We’ll make a “carnival” out of it.  Here’s what you can do to participate:

If you don’t have a blog or don’t want to involve your blog:
    Leave a comment next Monday that says how you have been blessed in the last week.  (Don’t worry, I’ll remind you!)

If you do have a blog:
    Leave your link (starting next Monday) to a post talking about how you have been blessed in the last week.  Add a photo or 10 if you like.

Try to be specific.  A story is even better.  Try to aim away from “my kids” and shoot for “My daughter sang me a song when I was doing the dishes.”  I’m a firm believer that God cares about the little things.  Of course he cares about the big things, but big things are really just made up of lots of little things, aren’t they?

If you feel that you want to put up a whole list, feel free.  It’s your blog, and post as much or as little as you like.

Just to sweeten the pot for the first “I’m Blessed!” blog carnival next Monday, anyone who links their blog next Monday with a post will be entered in a giveaway.  I’m not sure what I’m giving away, but I have a really good idea, and it will probably be handmade by me.  Who doesn’t love something handmade?  I’ll try to post a picture before then to further motivate you.  UPDATE:  You can find the giveaway post here.

Do you think the blessings always pass you by?  Pray about it.  Before the week even goes another moment, pray that God will bless you in a very real way this next week.  He can’t wait to knock your socks off.  Pray that you’ll see it.  Blessings come in the oddest forms sometimes.

This will be good for me.  This will be good for us!  Imagine, a whole pile of blog links where families pour out how God is blessing them in very real, tangible ways.  He blesses us with time, material things, people, a Scripture verse at just the right moment, a babysitter, or a second chance.  We are so blessed, and oftentimes, don’t pause to recognize it.

Before next Monday, I’ll add a link on the sidebar sometime this week with an “I’m Blessed” button and more specific “wording” rules for those who are like me and like to write their blog posts ahead of time.  It’s up!  Just click on the little “I’m Blessed” button in the left sidebar to get all the goods to join the party.  So as you go about your week, until next Monday, be looking for blessings.  ‘Cause I’m going to ask.