As I enter this holiday season, I am conscious of keeping my heart full of thanksgiving and gratitude for all the blessings in my life. I have been praying for God to help me find (and acknowledge) the everyday blessings, the ones we tend to take for granted. Guess what He brought into my path? Pine needles!
Pine needles? You mean those nasty little things that infiltrate every surface of my home? Never mind their place all over my floors. Lets talk about how they manage to find their way into my bed, onto my dining table, socks, sleepwear, window sills, cat food dishes, etc.
How in the world can pine needles be a blessing?
Then, I am reminded of the days before kids. The days where hubby and I were living the ultimate DINK (double-income, no kids) lifestyle. We had a fabulous apartment in Belltown. We had our own gym on the ground floor, complete with swimming pool and Jacuzzi. We had a covered parking stall in a secure garage for the car we never drove. We walked to work and walked to all the cool, trendy restaurants downtown. We had a social circle of friends that meant late nights and good times.
Then, I am reminded of the feelings of claustrophobia I would feel while living downtown. I would look all around and see high-rises, cars, and masses of people who avoided eye contact, never smiling (unless they are talking to someone on their cell phone). I can remember the taste in the back of my throat of the exhaust fumes and pollution that was ever present on the streets, and in our apartment.
I can also remember the total lack of nature. If I wanted to find a tree, or grass, I needed to go into one of the bordering neighborhoods and find a park. All the fine restaurants and culture that the city provided has nothing on the single perfection of the pine needle.
The fact that I have a home, in the woods, that affords me the opportunity to sweep out pine needles everyday, what a blessing! To be within a few minutes of lakes, hiking trails, the river, and to be able to raise my boys surrounded by this natural beauty, let alone a circle of friends that have transcended the social and have introduced me to what real friendship is, I would not trade this life for our old one for anything! Yay, pine needles!
Now, what is your pine needle? What everyday thing are you thankful for?
for cornstarch. LOL. We ran out of eggs last night and I was frantically searching for an egg substitute to finish making crab cakes. I hopped online and found out that you can substitute 2 T of cornstarch for one egg. It saved dinner! I already had all the other ingredients mixed!
Blessings
Jessica
It’s not as nice as your pine needles post but I am very thankful! LOL