I knew my job list for today when I went to bed last night. I wasn’t excited then, and I wasn’t as the day went on. It was a simple list:

1. Clean the house (most of it) in preparation for a bunch of Johnnies coming for a few nights next weekend
2. Do an estimate of the taxes and start that blasted FAFSA

I’ll admit it. My attitude sucks when it comes to doing these tasks. I reflected on why that might be. It’s not just that they are time-consuming and never seem to be finished (though that is a large part of it.) And I also recalled last November, when I tried to focus daily on 30 days of Thanksgiving, and had remarked on my tendency to whine.

So, I tried to turn it around… Why is it a good thing that I have to clean my house? 

1. I have a place to live
2. I have the energy to clean
3. I have indoor plumbing (!)
4. I have cats who leave tokens of their love everywhere (cat hair; not headless mice!)
5. I have clothes to wear and food to eat

Now then. What’s so good about taxes? And FAFSA? This was a little harder.

1. I have an income
2. I have a high enough income that I have to pay taxes
3. I have a child who is a good student and doing well in college
4. After 9 years, I almost understand FAFSA

At the end of the day, the floors got a once-over, the kitchen had an initial cleaning, and the bathrooms are not as disgusting. I will never be an accountant or run a housecleaning business. But I am grateful for the many, many good things that these two chores represent.

Blessed be.

Celebrate always, pray constantly, and give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. (This is God’s will for all of you in Jesus the Anointed.)

I Thess. 5:16-18 The Voice