Pet peeves; we’ve all got them.  Some of us have more than 1 or 2 or…

One of mine: people that don’t say thank you. 

Unfortunately, it seems to happen all of the time.  In fact, it has almost become an experiment for me.  I hold the door open for a total stranger at a store and I wait for something (anything!) that acknowledges my kind gesture.  

Then, there are the roads.  Nothing brings out the best in us like a little traffic. I oh-so graciously let someone in and they don't give me "the wave". 

I know that I shouldn't do things just for a thank you but it is nice to hear.

A lifestyle of gratitude can really impact the way we live.  It can change our perspective on just about everything.

If you know me, you know that I like things neat.  In fact, the term “neat-freak” may be coming to your mind right now.  Thankfully, my husband is neat too, but he is not a “neat-freak”.  So, every now and then, I find candy wrappers in the couch or multiple pairs of shoes left by the door for that impending shoe emergency. And we won't even talk about the toilet seat being left up...

Honestly, it used to all drive me crazy! I didn't understand why the wrappers had to be left on the couch instead of put in the trash can that is, literally, right there, or why the shoes couldn't just go back to their rightful home in the closet.

Then, God, as He so often does, made some adjustments to my perspective. He reminded me of how I had waited and prayed (and waited and prayed some more) to be married and how those prayers were answered (did I mention that I waited and prayed??). Those things that were annoyances, now more often serve as little reminders of one of the greatest blessings that God has ever given to me.  Yes, even the toilet seat reminds me that there is a man who lives in this house with me and I am glad for it. Let me set the record straight on this: I still like my house clean and I still have my MANY moments, but my husband doesn't have to run for cover as often.

Last year, several family members and a dear friend passed away.  As my cousin put it, it's great to remember that they lived a full life, but that doesn't alleviate the sense of daily loss that their loved ones are feeling. To a much, much lesser degree, when my husband travels for work, I am so aware of the fact that he is not here with me. It is on those days especially, that I wouldn't mind picking up a wrapper or two if it meant that he would be home.

My prayer is that God would help me to live my life in constant gratitude. The fact that I can hold the door open for someone means I have arms that are strong enough to do so. If I am on the road, it means that I have a car and a healthy enough mind to drive.

And even when the toilet seat is up, I remember; and then I put it down.

Thank you, God, for all of it.

(This post has been approved by the above mentioned husband, Lance Abraham.)

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Anitha Abraham has been a member of Covenant Church since 1998.  She received her Bachelors of Science degree in nursing and currently works at UT Southwestern as a nurse supervisor.  She serves in various areas of ministry including leading a monthly women’s Bible study and serving alongside her husband, Lance, as leaders in Re-Engage.  Born and raised in Texas, she is a Cowboys and Mavericks fan, coffee enthusiast, and Mexican food consumer.  You can read more of her articles on her blog mythoughtsifyouwanttoreadthem.wordpress.com.

Upon reading about the friendship contest, there wasn’t a question as to whom I would nominate- my best friends, Jamie and Amanda. I knew that the nomination was for a friend (singular), but I couldn’t separate these two ladies, nor choose which one was a better friend.

It all started 8 years ago on our first day of beauty school. I was sitting one table in front of them. I’ll never forget turning around and introducing myself. I was a nervous wreck, but wanted to be brave and say hello. I never would have guessed then, how much these two women would mean to me now. I even remember emailing my mother (I believe she still has the email) and saying, “Hey mom, I met these two really great girls in beauty school and I think I’m going to like them and hopefully become friends with them.” I was so excited! I was new to the area, just moving here from Ohio, and knew very few people. God truly has bestowed upon us, the blessing of friendship. We are all one, and no one girl is liked or favored over another. We have all, at separate times, lived together and helped each other out when needed. Our friendship has grown into a love for one another that is priceless; one that is cherished. We have laughed together, cried together, and a few times fought together. Just like in every healthy relationship, we have grown through it all.

Now, 8 years later, we have flourished into beautiful, Godly women, whom, although are on different levels in the faith, all believe and trust in the One whom is love, Jesus.  We lift one another up by sending texts of encouragement or giving little gifts of joy. Jamie and Amanda are successful business owners and always encourage me to take my business to the next level.  With all three of us being hairdressers, we have many fun girl nights at the salon trying the new trends. Traveling, shopping, eating, and having a glass of wine are just a few of the many things we enjoy doing together. Through our ups and downs that we face, whether heartaches, death, life, hurts, joys, or sorrows, we are there for one another no matter what. When you truly put one’s feelings above yours, the relationship is destined to last. Unconditional love, the love that God teaches us to have, is what we have. I heard a quote recently that said, “If a friendship lasts longer than 7 years, psychologists say that it will last a lifetime.” This relationship that we have will last a lifetime because God’s hand is in it and over it. We are all very blessed to have one another and we all feel the same way. We have often said that we are each other’s soul mates. No man can replace the love, bond, and friendship between women. I know that this flourish nomination was to be for one special lady, but my main goal in entering was to honor two- Jamie and Amanda, and to thank them for being such amazing and inspiring women to me. I know these two ladies so well that if we did win, we would split the winnings three ways. We share clothes, tears, and laughter, so why not a shopping spree? I hope that my story has blessed you and I hope that you are as lucky as I to have people as special as these two in your life.

¾ c. shortening

1 c. white sugar

¼ c. light molasses

1 beaten egg

2 c. flour

¼ tsp. salt

2 tsp. soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. cloves

1 tsp. ginger

Cream Shortening and sugar; add molasses and egg, beat well.  Add sifted dry ingredients, mix well.  Roll in small balls, dip in sugar.  Place 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.