Today I am thankful:
1. To be at a more peaceful place in my life. Recently I was in on a conversation with another adult who is a preacher’s kid. He told me how he loves God, but experiences anxiety and sometimes panic when he goes to church. It was a blessing for me to hear this story because I have struggled with this for years. Growing up in a preacher’s household was very much like living in a glass house. One example: A lady who lived down the street from us when I was ten had a pair of binoculars in her upstairs window. If I read too late into the night, she would call my mother and report that I was up past my bedtime. Over the years I have struggled with the weight of real or imagined expectations of people, many of which are unrealistic. Then, something happened, almost imperceptibly this past year. One Sunday I was sitting in church and realized I felt wonderful. Today, I feel at peace. My husband and I have been blessed to be at a church that seeks the unique strengths, gifts, and passions of its members. I have found a place in the present moment to be authentic and accepted just as I am. I have also learned that I am not alone in what I have experienced. This is a common struggle for those in ministry. Deeply grateful that God never stops working on my heart.
2. Chocolate Covered Almonds. The world is full of treats, and these are one of the best!
3. Sleeping In. My DSH (dear sweet husband) took the kids out to breakfast this morning before school. I am so happy that my kids were able to have some special time with Jeff. And… I got to catch up on some zzzzz’s.
What are you thankful for today?
Gratitude 
You are truly in a wonderful church family! So happy for you. I have never experienced, nor have our children, what you went through as a child. You are a blessing to the Bering Drive family!
Oh, wow. I totally get that about living in a glass house. It always looked to me like it would be that way. Boundaries, (not walls) can be tricky…
1. I am grateful that my extreme-sports son also likes to watch shows like “The Cake Boss!” I now keep mixes and frostings at the ready, for when inspiration strikes him.
2. I am grateful for a choice piece of wisdom that Dr. Dov Lieberman, my educational psychology teacher emphasized: “Everything is logical to a child.” That keeps me out of a LOT of unnecessary arguments, AND from killing a lot of extremely interesting conversations.
3. I am grateful for getting to often hear two of my favorite phrases: “Mom, look!” and “Mom, come look; HURRY!” That last one gets me running. I am rarely disappointed that I did.
LOVE the thought about how “Everything is logical to a child.” Also, tell your son that we LOVED his cake. I thought he decorated it artistically. I am looking forward to pics of his future inventions!
Thank YOU for being SO REAL and honest. You have so many wonderful and rich layers to you that are fun and incredibly interesting to uncover and learn about with each of your blogs. Have a great day and week my friend!
One beautiful thing I am experiencing from this project is the rich layers that we all share. It is a joy to read the gratitudes and the struggles that have shaped us into who we are today. You are a blessing to me! Thank you.