¹⁷ Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.  Habakkuk 3:17-18

God certainly has impeccable timing.  Recently I woke up sad, not sure why just felt sad.  I prayed 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  But felt I was trying too hard to turn my mood around.  Then Habakkuk 3:17-18 was part of my devotional for the day (you see, God’s impeccable timing!) and that’s when I decided to write a “thankful list”, which in my opinion is a form of rejoicing in the Lord.

Here’s my short list of what I’m thankful for (lets be honest, this type of list could go on and on):

• health
• home
• kids here have food for a couple of days
• kids back in Phoenix are healthy
• food
• water – even though it isn’t coming from the tap we had donations come through so we are at least able to purchase water.
• donations coming through
• caramel Starbucks instant coffee for breakfast – I have one more to savor!
• electricity is on (at the moment)
• giving myself a mani/pedi later in the day
• having the ingredients here to prepare for pizza night
• Bella curled up on my lap 🙂

Once I took the time to see the blessings around me instead of berating myself for not shaking off the sadness I was able to just let the sadness move alongside my thankful spirit.