Grateful

Today, my co-workers and I received news that our other office (in another state) is being closed and all of the work will flow to my site. Wow.  I feel okay because that means I will be super busy and can continue to prove I belong here, but I just thinking of the people at that office and the families they have.  All I can say is I am eternally grateful it wasn't me because it could have been.

Kirk Franklin and somebody...I can't keep up--NU Nation, the Family, 1NC, I don't know!  He's had a few too many groups for me, but anyway.  There was a song he did a while back talking about 'I coulda been me, with no clothes, no shoes and no food to eat...'  Something like that.  That is so real!  This is the time to not complain about having to get up at 5:30 in the A.M. for your job, but be grateful you have a job to get up for!  Hello?!

Some people are getting up faithfully to look for work and would gladly hit snooze for you, so you can get more sleep and they can take your place.  Don't get it twisted, your job owes you nothing.  You think no one else can do your job like you, you're right...someone can do it better and come to work with a 'real' smile!

I make reference to my girls often because I have a really good inner circle. My inner circle is spread from the West Coast to the East Coast, but we are always available for each other for encouragement, education and a quick chin-check, if we are out of pocket.

One of my girls has been encouraging us to do an "Intention List" and "Gratitude List"---really taking the time to write down the things we desire and what we are grateful for.  I haven't done mine yet, but if I may, I will use this space to at least start writing some things I am grateful for.  This is off the cuff and in no particular order, just to throw it out there!

I am grateful for....

>Friends who tell me the truth
>Family who say I can always come home
>Money in my savings account
>A car to drive and the title that proves I own it
>Waking up in my own bed, in my own apartment with my child in the next room meaning we don't have to sleep on top of each other in a studio
>Knowing how to forgive (still working on doing it, but I know how!)
>Self-actualization in some respects
>Sorority sisters
>People who give me compliments
>Knowing a good God
>Options....people to spend time with, places to go, things to eats, things to wear, how to wear my hair...
>A job
>Bills...and the money to pay them
>Health
>Activity of my limbs
>Waking up in my right mind
>Rights and responsibilities
>The courage to walk away....

Oh this list can go on and on!  I am nowhere near the end of the list, but I am done complaining....my co-workers just lost their job! I need to be grateful for the things I have and create a plan of action for the things I look to possess. 

Again, just as I said yesterday, everything will not happen overnight, but just because one hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it never will and that I can be upset about what I already have.

My mom shared this with me:

"If God answers your prayers, He is increasing your faith.
If God delays, He is increasing your patience.
If God doesn't answer, He has something better for you."

I will praise Him for what He's given me, what He is bringing me and what is not coming because I trust His plan.  While I experience the storms of life, I will find comfort in being grateful for the things in my life.  If I lack a grateful attitude, I am sure they will be removed...and I can't have that.  Nope, not at all...

Thank you....

Room(dot)