Expect the Unexpected

Good news...our computer should be back to its old self within the next couple of days. I'm eagerly looking forward to posting some of our Valentine memories. I am a bit bummed that I cannot share these things on my regular Five on Friday, but I will recap ASAP.

After the snow of two days ceased yesterday evening, we ended up with a total of around 15" of glittery snow. I love snow and always have. It never fails to take me back to my childhood...which is sometimes welcomed in this whirlwind of adulthood.

The snow days of my youth were filled with countless hours of playtime both in and out. If the power went out, we had gas appliances, no worries. When the pipes froze (that once) we found it so exciting that we got to bathe in melted "snow water". I wish those types of things had the same whimsy as an adult.

Yesterday our hot water heater gave us its last. We had a moment of (unhappy) silence and faced the realization that it would be a couple days before we could acquire a new one due to the road conditions. Hopefully tomorrow will be the day...until then I'll be heating water on the stove. During the night our power went out, but praise God it was restored around 6am this morning.

Shoveling snow also used to be so much fun...some how I must have blocked out the bitter wind and frozen fingers...

Laying in bed at 3am...praying the power would come back on...I suddenly felt guilty over my "woes". Where has my eucharisteo gone? I have been so focused on the obligations and inconveniences that I've neglected to live with thanks. In those moments I became acutely aware of my ungratefulness...so I began to list once again...

275. Thermal socks
276. Snow shovel
277. Blinking alarm clock
278. Lantern
279. Cold water
280. Funds to replace water heater
281. Her 1st Valentine's Day

I reread all of the things that I had previously listed. I love this journey, even through the tears, that God has me on. My outlook has changed in so many ways since I first began.I am thankful to be refocused on what matters. With that in mind, amongst the cards, chocolates, and romantic movies, I hope you'll remember and more importantly look to, the greatest love of all...

"For God so loved the world (this includes you and all the baggage you bear) that He gave His only begotten son, and whosoever believes in Him, will not perish but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

*emphasis mine*