the art of happy

Gah! My colleagues mentioned that I've been 'looking tired'... Have not been as busy as in last Nov and Dec, and been going to bed around the same time every night, but not quite falling asleep once my head hits the pillow anymore. Trouble sleeping is -confirm plus chop- a physical manifestation of stress/ depression for me. I thought I was done with that :(

Anyway, I quickly did an inventory of all the things I am thankful for (and it did get very long, very fast). And I recall a much-valued talk with J on New Year's morning, where he made me realise that despite all my ranting about current situations, there were many blessings and angels I hadn't yet counted. Yet another reminder to in all things give thanks.

I know I've mentioned it before and I give a lot of shoutouts on this blog, but it's one thing to say these in rare moments of reflection, and another to live thankfully, doing all things with a humble and grateful attitude. Realise that I'm often quick to criticise and slow to see the good in things... which is why I'm so glad PPrince just prayed for our eyes to be shut to lack in 2009, but open to ALL GOOD THINGS. Amen.

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence* of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."
- Psalm 23:5

*Emphasis to remind us to rejoice at all times regardless of our circumstances, because He is with us. Had a real revelation of this also on New Year's Day: despite the crap that is going on in my family right now, I found myself able to hum and jive to a tune we'd just heard on the radio, and make my mum and sis smile. Hold on to that! To all the good things... and even if there seem to be no good things on Earth, there'll always be Jesus.