Silver Lining

I like to think that there is always a silver lining to every dark cloud. If you are sick, it is that you remember that it is a blessing to be healthy. If you get a flat tire, that you really need to be aware of your tires so that you are grateful for full tires. I like it that way. I like to think I am an optimist.
I am about "this" (imagine fingers just barely apart) close to losing that optimism. This year has just chewed me up ans spit me out. I am working really hard to make things work and to keep a smile on my face, but I just hate waking up everyday to something else that has gone wrong, not worked out, or is suddenly a problem. The umbrella that I am using to keep that rain away, is getting a little beat up, you know?
I am not saying that there aren't some good things in my life, there are. Just more not so great. So, in an attempt to help remind myself that there is a silver lining, I am listing the GOOD things in my life at the moment.

1) My roommates Melinda and Danny. Ok, so they aren't really roommates, but live in the basement apartment. They are so wonderful. Melinda has been letting me use her car while mine has been in the shop. All three times. It has been two weeks this time and she has been so nice and wonderful. They also are my gardening partners and I have enjoyed the hours of weeding and planting. I am so grateful that they are in my life.

2) I am grateful for little kids who love "secrets" from me. I tell the greatest secrets. I say something silly and then tickle for all I'm worth. I see kids I know in the store and they will run up and ask for secrets. I love it. I love that they love it.

3) I love that the other ladies I work with call me "the baby whisperer" and " the story teller". I love that they see strengths in me and remind me of them. I like that I am reminded of them even after years of being away from kids.

4)I am grateful for people who love me and let me use their washing machine. Since ours went out a month ago (oh the joys of not having the money to replace it!) I have been very blessed by people who have allowed me to "borrow" their miracle of machine to wash unmentionables.

5) I am so grateful for people who really have no idea that they make my day. A smile or a seemingly unimportant little compliment means a lot. Especially when times are hard. So thank you to all of those.

6) I am thankful that my sisters have blogs. It seems small, but that little connection means a lot.

7) I am thankful that I have 3 callings at church. Compassionate service coordinator, a temple calling and on a pilot stake committee that is for single adults 27 to 31. The goal for this wonderful new committee? To meet and marry your eternal companion. haha.

8) I am grateful for food storage.

That is my silver lining.