Gratitude...

Joy from the heart...

How could I forget such an important thing... Abundance vs Scarcity.

Gratitude disappears when we are focused on the things that are lacking... Yesterday I had an ah hah moment... and I remembered and I felt joy in the fact that this is one thing I've learned and now remembered (I need to practise it though). I enjoyed chatting with Angie on facebook last night,, then I put a comment on her blog and it made me remember... When I visited with Aunt Lois just over a year ago... she reminded me of this principal. Abundance vs Scarcity. I guess this is one quality that I love about Todd... he has an attitude of abundance and a generous heart. I on the other hand must cultivate and practise an attitude of abundance ( I was raised with an attitude of scarcity - with focus on what is lacking (or that there is not enough to go around) and my attitude of abundance needs alot of work right now. This is a principal that Jesus taught in the scriptures (Eg. Loaves and Fishes; Water changed to Wine; etc.)

When we feel gratitude and express gratitude for the blessings we enjoy our abundance grows. I'm so grateful for good health, awesome kids and a beautiful family, a fun dog, a great job, friends, wonderful co-workers, a car that runs, a beautiful home (to be finished someday), I've been so blessed with gifts to overcome challenges and keep going, patience that has grown and grown some more, and ultimately an understanding of my relationship with God and his eternal plan. My friend Lois told me a few months ago that those the Lord chastens are those he loves. Life has a way of jumping us through hoops that are higher and bigger than we like and we are given the skills, support etc., to meet the challenges. I look now and I can see the skills and support... and I'm grateful... and it makes me feel so good inside. God wants more from me than I want for myself... he sees the real picture and I only see a tiny little spec... If it was up to me I'd settle for the least.. and he wants me to have everything he has in store for me... What a concept . abundance & gratitude.