Writing to Myself Today

As I laid in bed yesterday with a migraine I found myself getting discouraged because I couldn't apply what I had learned from the weekend at the Tribe Conference. I couldn't take action after being so energized to do so. But as I continued in the migraine state of fighting pain but not being able to fall asleep, I reminded myself of why I write.

I write to encourage others to choose gratitude and find joy in the adventure and in the mundane.  

And the migraine definitely falls into the latter. So as I laid there, I stated recounting the lessons I learned over the weekend. I started my mental, "Thank you, God" list. I quickly realized it was by His grace that the migraine didn't come the day before and I was able to soak up everything at the conference. And it was by His grace that I was able to be aware enough to watch Katherine until Spencer got home. 

So when life throws you a curve ball, whether for a day or for a season, choose gratitude. Choose to see the good, the gift, the grace. Choose to fight through the pain with recounting blessings.

Time to take action will come, but in the midst of paralyzing pain just be still and say thank you.

Gratitude always leads to joy, and the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Morning is coming. New mercies are coming. Productivity isn't always checking things off a to-do list. It can be checking things off your gratitude list. Saying thank you and thinking about the good doesn't take the pain away but it releases you from guilt and shame and gives you strength to keep pressing on. It reminds you that morning is coming. It gives you hope. And friends, hope does not disappoint.