At christianhomekeeper.org, Sylvia is hosting an “Attitude of Gratitude” blog carnival each Thursday through the month of December. For this second one, she’s asking us to share about the Little Things for which we’re thankful.
I can say without equivocation that the Littlest Thing for which I’m thankful is water – and running water, at that. We have been dealing with cold weather this week in Oregon (like many others across the country) and experienced frozen pipes, frozen water in the pressure tank, and frozen water in the storage tank. It is not all thawed, but after two days of working in the cold in panic mode, Jeff got water to us again.
In plain words, this week sucked. It was my birthday on Tuesday, and I spent that day and a couple other days out in the cold trying to help Jeff turn the water back on. (As I write this, I’m needing to be going outside with Mikah to hang heating lamps over the storage tank to try to melt the ice inside.)
I feel like I got run over by a herd of buffalo. I have been struggling to cultivate an “attitude of gratitude” and failing at it. In fact, I’ve been fighting against developing a resentful character this week.
I kept blaming God and people who gave us poor advice, and the weather, and where we live, and, and… for everything that went wrong. You know, they’re all to blame, even God because He let it happen (for mysterious reasons of His own that probably have something to do with character development). But I still shouldn’t walk around with a “woe is me” chip on my shoulder.
So I will concentrate today on remembering all the Little Things that make my life grand.
Running Water
Household servants – washing machine and dryer foremost
A warm fire
Rivers
Warm bed
Quilts
Movies for unwinding
Jane Austen books
Good, nourishing food
Hugs and Kisses
Christmas cards from friends and family
Knowing that others are praying for us
Birthday cards
I’m late with adding this to the Attitude of Gratitude – you can be late, too! 
It’s amazing how much we can take things for granted, until we don’t have them. I am so glad that you are back up and running. I also loved your list, as well.
Jen´s last blog ..Friday Fill-ins #154
I’m sorry your week sucked. I’m hoping next week looks better. Bad days help make us smarter for the next time.
That is if we’re really paying attention. There’s always something to be learned, not while you’re in it but in hindsight.
Marg´s last blog ..Rustic Christmas centerpiece
So glad you can admit that your week sucked! We all have those weeks! And yes, I think character development is the biggest reason why! Hope this week is better!
Love,
Sonya
I live in the desert and while reading your blog, I could feel the cold and worry. As a Mom and now Grandma, I sense a mounting panic when the household is not in running order. I become overwhelmed about taking care of my family and cannot stop until we are all comfortable, clean, well fed and the house is as it should be. Sadly, life happens and I am reminded time and again how I do not control the universe, only how I react. Wish I was perfect, but I’m not. Thanks for writing so honestly about your life.