This week one of my prompts in my bible reading was to think of ten things I have to be grateful for over the last year. I wondered, as I considered doing this, whether it would be hard to think of ten things. I’ve been back to home schooling this week as the kids school had an outbreak of Covid among their teachers, it coincided with my husband being away for three days so the weight of educating the children fell on me. This adds a big challenge to daily life and can make you forget the many things you have to be thankful for!

As I got started, I thought of simple things like – a home, a job, friends, food in the fridge, heating and hot water as well as a comfy bed in a bedroom not shared with the kids. Then I was able to get more specific about the many small things that had happened throughout the year, a camping holiday with the family, lovely walks in the woods with my family, friends to cook food for.

Once I got started, I realised the wonderful things in my life far outweigh the challenges. It’s not to deny the challenges but I had spent too much time this week focussing on what was difficult. It doesn’t mean they aren’t hard. Trust me home schooling children without additional needs is tough, and when you add additional needs it can feel overwhelming. But when considered in light of the incredible blessing that they are able to get an education at all, and that we’re able to sit in our warm house to do our learning, gratitude begins to erode away the challenges.

It might feel like a waste of time but I’ve read elsewhere that keeping a gratitude journal can really help with your mental health and general wellbeing. Why not try it? I bet your list will be longer than you expect!