Gratitude Friday: Boy do I have problems, and I'm grateful.

I started the day a little grumpy, slightly irritable. Ever happen to you? No real reason, just feeling kinda like Oscar the Grouch. It think sometimes caffeine does that to me. For no reason at all, the smallest thing bugs me. I started to do some sewing but couldn't get into the groove. I couldn't find the scissors. Couldn't remember which pile the fabric I wanted was in. Aaarrrgggg!!

I had a little email conversation with Anna about folding fabric and how my fabric shelf is very neat and tidy, only because every piece of fabric I've used or thought of using or purchased for the past month is piled and stacked on or around my sewing table. The chair in the corner is stacked with piles of fabric my aunt gave me that I have no room for. The mess and my already grumpy state did not make for a good sewing state of mind.  I walked through the house, grumbling under my breath. Aggravated that the kid's bathroom is so dirty, annoyed that they are still in bed and their rooms are disaster areas. Then it hit me. All the things that are annoying me, all the problems I seem to be having are actually signs of how good I really have it. If I stop and think about it, I don't have a problem in the world that someone, somewhere wouldn't love to have. It's all about perspective. The age old glass half full or half empty question.

 

How blessed I am to have a room to sew in and plenty of fabric to choose from.

Plenty. I have plenty of everything I need and what at times is viewed as a problem, is just evidence of a life full of blessings. My laundry basket is overflowing because I have plenty to wear. My refrigerator is way past due for cleaning out because I have plenty to eat.

My unmade bed means I have a soft warm place to sleep tonight.

Those kids sleeping late in their disaster area rooms are healthy and safe and the tragic events that have happened recently make me all too aware of how much of a blessing that is.

This stack of bills and mail that need attention....I'll have to get back to you on that one.

Sure, I have more serious issues that I'd love to have just disappear, but all things considered, I have a pretty darn good life, problems and all, and for that I am very grateful.

Comments

[Beth]

I've had the same type of day and I'd love to just crawl into your comfy looking bed and take a nap. I think that is what I'm needing is a nap!

[Karen H]

It's awesome that you can turn a bad day into something so positive. My husband has to remind me often of how blessed we are with healthy children, a house, food, etc. Have a blessed weekend!

[Anina]

We are lucky aren't we? I was just cleaning out the linen closet and grumbling about how many sheets and towels we have and where I'm supposed to put them all. Thank you for putting it all into perspective. We all need to do that every so often, I think.

[Sarah]

Thanks for the reminder! I think we ALL get into funks like that.

[Dana]

It sounds like we are having the same kinds of things going on. Isn't it wonderful to realize the gifts we have?

[Lisa Clarke]

What a great way to turn it all around! I'll have to remember that. And if someday it doesn't work, hop in the shower and start your day from scratch - works like a charm!

[Thimbleanna]

You always have the best way of putting things Autum! Your bill pile looks pretty neat and tidy to me! We have the same "problem" with the kids. TheManoftheHouse always grumbles when they're sleeping so late, but I always just tell him how fortunate we are to know they are safely tucked in their beds sleeping their day away! Have a wonderful weekend!

[Hope]

What a wonderful way to see the "bad" things. That's inspiration enough. :)

[happy zombie]

I get the grumpies too when I have the piles. I think I have about 10 stacks in my office and it's hurting my brain. I have bills that need attention too and DS's bathroom looks like a family of bears moved in. Well now I'm motivated to do something. Don't know why I'm motivated... maybe because I know I'm not the only one and I'm in such good company!

Hey... I think we have the same counter tops!

[amy]

Thanks for that!

[jessica]

nice to turn it around and see the positive. it is good. you are blessed.

[erin]

you are so right, autum!

[Anita]

What a wonderful post. i'm going to try to remenber that when i'm grumpy too. Thank you for your wise words

[Elizabeth]

Where did you get those pretty blue and white pillow shams? Your bedroom looks so much like mine, except that I don't have those beautiful pillow shams!

[Sandy]

You always turn things around, Autum. I love your perspective.
I have so much on my plate today, puts me in a funk just thinking about it!
Happy Monday to you!

[Dinah]

You're exactly right! Thanks for reminding all of us how fortunate we are!

[Kelli]

I am going to think of this post a thousand times over. I just know it. Attitude truly is everything. Thank you A!

[cindy]

AMEN SISTER! I have to reming myself of that all the time. My Grandma always says, she wishes Grampa's shoes were in the way when she'd step out into the garage and his dirty dishes were left on the table, because that would mean he was still here. We are so blessed.

[Victoria May Plum]

Such a great post! I always try to stay positive and remind myself of just how lucky I am.
I think that this post will have inspired so many people!
Thankyou
Victoria x

[Terri Pollhein]

Gee, I needed to hear that lesson today.
I am very good at throwing pity parties for myself, but you are absolutely right! My problems are really blessings turned another way.
God bless!
Terri

[Chappyswife]

Oh, how true, how true! I am with you on every point of having plenty (especially the stack of bills and paperwork!)

I dropped by to admire all of your sewing. Very, very pretty!

[Amy]

This is so true. My problems are all ones that others would love to have too and I am always always better off when I can remember that first. Thanks for the reminder.

[Claire (Bahrain)]

Very blessed.
I love coming to your blog. You say the nicest things. I never know what to write on mine.

[Beth]

Are you still alive? Long time since we have heard from you!

[JoAnna]

Oh thank you for your pictures of piles. I really needed to see those today! I truly thought I was THE ONLY ONE!!!!!!