Committing to no complaining

Tomorrow is the first day of December. Snow is predicted for the weekend.

As many adults are saying, “Where did the year go?”

It’s been a particularly mild autumn and we’re still inundated with leaves although we’ve been raking and burning for weeks now. Being extremely cold at the football game last Friday night reminded me of the many seasons when we’ve been cold for weeks during outdoor sporting events — both Pee Wee and high school football.

Today (Tuesday), the sun is shining brilliantly, bare tree limbs are silhouetted against the azure blue sky dotted with cottony clouds. A stray leaf gently falls to the ground. Squirrels scamper along the oaks and hickories and raccoons are playing near a hole in a very tall oak tree. The deer bravely come fairly close to the house seeking acorns that have not yet been raked away. It’s a beautiful day!

Despite a propensity to preach thankfulness, I realize that sometimes I complain, if only internally, and am convicted to truly work on being grateful in all things.

I’m not really a fan of winter weather. I don’t like being challenged to drive on icy roads when I need to be somewhere. I’m not particularly found of cleaning up again and again from the melting snow-covered boots, gloves and jackets left inside the doorway. And, taking a very furry Cocker Spaniel outside in snow means more work when we come inside. It’s definitely more challenging than pulling dead leaves out of his fur.

But, then, when challenged to truly be thankful, I thought of the slower pace encouraged by winter and of sitting by the fire drinking hot chocolate or coffee and watching Christmas movies with my nearly grown sons. I realized I allow myself to read more because I want to be inside and cozy, not outside and cold. And, it’s a great time to pull out the old family photographs and videos and reminisce.

So, I commit to being grateful, no matter what the weather! Will you join me?