Still counting (days and blessings)

I have nine more days to be thankful for here. Gratitude is not coming naturally; I fall quickly into a habit of complaining. I most naturally go and grumble in my heart, even though it may not be spoken aloud: I wish I was in my blue-and-green bedroom with my sister across the room and my dog by my side; I am tired of buying groceries and making sure nothing goes bad I don't like wearing skirts so often; it's so hot. 

But God forgive me, for I have no cause to murmur against the place he's called me to. Isn't it true that when a Christian is most tempted to murmur, she is most able to showcase God's grace through her very dependence on it? It becomes her heart cry to honor God most when her strength is least. The calling God places on his children is high, but he is good to enable us to fulfill it.

"Godliness with contentment is great gain.
     Thou, O man of God, flee these things;
     and follow after righteousness, godliness,
        faith, love, patience, meekness.
Fight the good fight of faith,
    lay hold on eternal life,
    whereunto thou art also called,
    and hast professed a good profession
    before many witnesses," {i timothy 6.6, 11-12}

So still I am grateful. There is a breeze still today; my coffee cup is still full; young Malawians play with and laugh at me when I visit the villages; my housemates are dear sweet friends whom I will truly miss when I go off for the holidays; I had a great time interacting with my fun, smart, kind students yesterday at a fun school event; I am forever loved and cared for by my Lord.

Simple. So much to be thankful for.