One of my splurges I get to do every so often is to have a ladies night out at a place called Board and Brush in Peachtree City. A couple of my girls friends and I go out to dinner before hand, and then afterwards, head over to B&B to create customized wood work for our homes. These pieces can range from signs, clocks, trays, and coat hangers. We get to socialize, work on our creative sides without having to do the major clean up, and take home a beautiful piece of decor. It’s such a win win!

This past weekend, B&B was at our local night market, and during this event, they offered a discount on future bookings. So my bestie and I made a trek out to the market to take advantage of the discount. While there, they offered pre-made signs at half price, and I scored a sign that I’ve been eyeing for awhile. I ended up buying it and placing it above my kitchen door to the garage. An example of the sign is below:

Ironically, after my husband graciously placed this on the wall for me, I didn’t have an attitude of gratitude. My attitude was all BUT this. I was irritable. I was mean to my kids. Short tempered. Grouchy. Unloving. Whatever you wanted to call it, it wasn’t gratitude.

For days, I was like this. Not because I had a reason to be. In actuality, things were going well. All of the decisions I have been worrying about, praying about, seeking guidance about… they have all come into fruition to my benefit! My husband didn’t travel this week, so he was home to help me with the kids, give me a little alone time, and yet, it didn’t matter. I was still Mrs. Grumpy Pants. All things and everything my family did irritated me. I could not fix my attitude.

So, I did the only thing I knew I could do. I prayed about it. I prayed to let God give me what my new sign said. Give me an attitude of gratitude. Only He could do it because I had been trying for days on my own, and I couldn’t muster the gratitude within me. I needed heavenly intervention.

This was not a one time prayer, either. I prayed it when I could feel my temper rising. I prayed it when I was falling asleep at night, reflecting on how I failed again at being grateful for all that I’ve been given.

Y’all. We are blessed. We have been given so much. Whether you believe it or not, we are rich beyond measure. I had lost sight of being thankful for that.

Yesterday, I had a better night. I was able to have some quality snuggle time with the kids without feeling guilted into it. I had actual joy. Today was a better day. This is not going to be a quick fix or an immediate transformation of my heart. But I recognize how the Lord is softening my heart to love my family more and embrace an attitude of gratitude.

As Thanksgiving comes closer and closer, are you reflecting on what you’re grateful for? I hope so! I hope that list is long and sweet and cherished. In the next couple of weeks, I can’t wait to share the next chapter that is ahead of me and my family. It’s exciting and terrifying and overwhelming all at the same time. I want to grateful for that too and all that it entails. I hope stay tuned!