The 500th Gift

On Mother’s Day I reached the half-way mark.

#500 Using my voice to encourage other mamas through my blog and books.

I’m halfway through listing out 1,000 gifts and my perspective is really beginning to change.

I looked at Mother’s Day differently this year. My focus was on all the small gifts throughout the day and not just the gift that was missing (the hammock I hinted at a few times).

For the first time (on a major holiday) I wasn’t completely disappointed. I didn’t let my expectations rob me of the joy that surrounded me.

No, John didn’t really think outside of the box like I hoped he would. I didn’t get to take a nap in a hammock, but gifts were scattered throughout my day.

Sleeping in.

Yummy french toast for breakfast.

Dancing in the kitchen with the cutest two-year-old ever.

A day spent doing whatever I wanted to do (because I really crave alone time every now and then).

Mother’s Day messages from friends and family.

Crayon scribbles inside my Toy Story Mother’s Day card.

A Sonic gift card from my mom.

Turquoise toenails.

A gourmet dinner made by my husband.

Writing down the gifts and focusing on gratitude changes perspectives. {Tweet This}

Instead of being consumed with what I didn’t receive or how the day didn’t play out, I chose to be thankful because….

I have a mother.

I have a son.

I get to experience the precious gift of motherhood.

I received the most amazing gift from a woman who selflessly and lovingly wanted better for her son.

I have a husband who played mom so I could have a break.

Mother’s Day was eye-opening this year.

There listed in purple ink are 500 gifts. I’ll continue to write them down, one-by-one, counting until I reach a thousand. But I have a feeling the list will continue long after I reach my goal.  These simple things have changed my perspective and I like what I see.

This post was written as a response to Holley Gerth’s Coffee for your Heart link up prompt: For more encouragement click here! I am also linking up for Three Word Wednesday. You can join the fun here.