Thursday, September 12, 2013

Thankful Thursday

“I don't think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains.”  Anne Frank

Earlier in the week, I was working on something that frustrated and worried me. It wasn't going the way I wanted, but I kept at it, trying hard to get it right. 

The more I tried....the more intense I felt until I was so irritated, not only at the task, but with life itself. 

What happened to all that joy and peace and warm fuzzies? 

I jumped in the car and headed to the lake. I noticed a small group of people in the bushes looking at something. I went over to see what it was. Their eyes sparkled as they pointed to this little green heron on a log. Their excitement and joy watching this little guy was contagious. 

I stood with them watching the bird....and something amazing happened. The joy came back. And the peace. And the warm fuzzies. This week grateful for....

1. The little green heron
2. The talk at the group on Tues night left me in awe. I got an email from the leader. They asked me back and want me to run a workshop.
3. Got together with a fellow writer. Loved our time together. The connection was wonderful. 
4. The blueherons that have been hanging around. Watching them thrills me, especially when they fly. I feel myself flying with them.
5. Mostly for His creation. It's the best gift ever.  -The trees, the lakes, the hills, the animals. It's where I feel most alive and connected. And it's where I always find peace and incredible joy. It's better than any drug and any material thing.

11 comments:

Just Be Real said...

I think it is cool how God uses nature to bless us. I have two birds, and I was once told that these birds have God's spirit inside of them, which has given me comfort at times when I am alone and hurting to snuggle up to them. Thank you Nikki for sharing your wonderful week! Blessings and hugs.

Debbie said...

That's exactly why I have been on an official green heron watch lately.

As usual, I am thankful for having come here this morning.

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

I always get blessed by being out in His nature, Nikki. The Lord created a wonderful world for us to live in and I love the little unexpected surprises, like the heron, we get when we're not looking for them. Have a wonderful weekend filled with little unexpected surprises.

Blessings & hugs,
Sandi

Connie said...

Isn't it amazing how the simplest things can bring us joy if we are open to seeing them? Wonderful post! Enjoying what I find in nature always brings me a certain peace and feeling of happiness too. :)

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Amen! I feel the same peace when I watch all the nature that surrounds me

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Pretty amazing that Anne Frank could see that after all she lived through.

Anna said...

I love how God uses nature sometimes to speak to us.

I would love to get some advice on writing my first ebook, if you don't mind. Could I email you?

Sharon said...

Yes, Nikki. You always have a way of making me stop and reflect on the many things that I am grateful for. And I agree, there is nothing that *grounds* me more in thankfulness than spending time looking at and appreciating God's creation.

Yay for green herons. The other day I was blessed by some beautiful red-tailed hawks. And just this morning, I was thankful for one furry little beagle who had snuggled up next to me in the middle of the night!

GOD BLESS!

Launna said...

Hi Nikki, sometimes it is the lovely little things that bring us around... when we are having a difficult day. I went for a power walk today and I was a tiny bit tired but then I saw the cutest yellow butterflies and it brightened my walk greatly...

I am grateful for every single person who prayed for or send positive wishes to my David... I am so relieved he is on the mend... I was so stressed...

Nana Jul said...

Praise God for Green Herons and Red Cardinals...it's the Red Cardinals for me...Gives me reassurance that He sees and I can let go and calm down. He knows.
I'm so thankful for getting to listen Wednesday morning to my son babble on and on. Pondering it all in my heart. Made me smile. And the Roses he surprised me with Wednesday night after work! I am blessed.
Love you,
Jul

Chatty Crone said...

Some times I think when you get frustrated - it is a good idea to go out and get a change of venue - and see the sites and wonders God created. sandie