The Junk Pile

I have one spot in my kitchen that drives me absolutely crazy. It's a little sliver of counterspace, and James seemingly has adopted that spot to put all his stuff when he walks through the door. His wallet, his keys, his mail, his books, his stick-it notes, and his junk are littered in this area every single day. To say in bothers me is an understatement. About once a week, I clean the area and put things where they should be. Not 24 hours later, the spot is once again a junk heap. Most days, I just live with it, but some days I don't hold in my frustration. Not so nicely, I voice my feelings.

This morning, I watched James get up early to spend time with the Lord. I saw him as he presented the Gideon's International Ministry at an outdoor church service when the temperature was a chilling 11 degrees. I watched as he helped the kids go sledding in the afternoon. I watched. Seeing my husband faithfully serve the Lord and his family put his junk pile on my kitchen countertops into perspective.

I am blessed. Plain and simple.

A couple years ago, I started a thanksgiving journal. It has proven to be a wonderful way to focus on the blessings that are given to me on a daily basis. Most days, there are not enough spaces for me to fill. As I focus on the abundant gifts God gives me, I complain less. The same is true for my marriage. When I take a step back, I see a man who loves God above all else and loves me unconditionally. You see, then, those little frustrations become quite insignificant.

So, tomorrow, when James throws his loose change on that infamous spot on my countertops, I want to choose joy and thankfulness. Who knows? Maybe they'll be enough change for my Starbucks!