Just get on with it!

It may not appear to be the case, but I actually spend hours planning what to write on this blog. I realise the evidence is completely to the contrary but I have regular, erudite, conversations with myself about what to write. Some is informative, some comment, some spiritual insights I have gained, even some amusing anecdotes, but I realise I put far too much emphasis on how I will come across/what people will think to actually get around to writing it down.

So, I think I need to just start putting down any old rubbish to get myself back in the habit of writing. Much has happened since the last post and nothing much has happened since the last post. I may or may not get around to writing something about these amazingly planned thoughts and comments or not, but I will endeavour to start posting something more regularly. And of course, you can feel free to either continue to read or not....

One of the major things I have been reflecting on recently is my tendency to avoid living in and enjoying the present. I am the master of promising 'jam tomorrow', looking ahead to that point in time when 'things will be better' and equally I can tend to look back on the past with rose-tinted, greener-grass spectacles. So, I am now making a conscious effort to start counting my blessings from now on. That's not to say I won't still be looking for ways to improve areas of my life, or miss those things I've left behind, but I want to be grateful for what God has given me today and enjoy this present season as much as I possibly can.

So, as a little exercise in spontaneity rather than planned blog-content, off the top of my head, here are 10 things I am grateful for (in no particular order) today....

1. That I have a hope that goes beyond the grave. Though life has many challenges, I rejoice that I know the one in charge and that he has a plan!
2. My wonderful family who bless me, keep me humble and daily challenge me in more ways then I could ever imagine.
3. Technology that keeps me closer and in touch with friends and family far away.
4. A ticket to a friend's wedding in April that gives me a brief but cherished opportunity to catch up with loved ones and indulge myself all on my own with no children.
5. My lovely husband who not only gave me afore-mentioned ticket, but has also taken time of work to look after the children while I am away. He is a complete superstar not just for this but for being my best friend and accomplice in this adventure.
6. The great school that my children love going to.
7. Ever-so-slightly less freezing temperatures. The snow boots have been switched for normal shoes at long last (no visible signs of spring just yet, however!)
8. Tea. You can take the Brit out of the UK......
9. Child-free mornings, finally giving me a bit of space to think my own thoughts and take the occasional break
10. A good book to read

So there - a start!