The only reason I am writing this sentence at this very moment is because I promised myself I would and because I believe that having a hiccup this early on in my Lenten promise is nothing short of embarrassing.

I have a headache.  And it’s one of those where even after 2 Tylenol, the pain is blocked, and your head still kinda feels cloudy.

Writing through pain is a good discipline.  Not every day is a good one.  Not every post is profound.

I can write through my pain if I think of things which give me relief and what I am grateful for.  So here is my litany of gratitude:

I am grateful for the awesome caretaker who watches Isaiah like a hawk and has a gentle voice.  She started this week and things are off to a great start.

I am so grateful that Tylenol exists and my neurotransmitters transmitting PAIN PAIN PAIN are being blocked right now.

I’m grateful to be writing this on a MAC and not an IMB which, in my opinion, freeze and throw temper tantrums like a 2 year old without a nap.

I’m relieved to know that the day is over and I am almost through a very thick week of evening programs, meetings, and consulting.  And grateful, at the same time, to be paid for aforementioned responsibilities.

I’m relieved that Isaiah is sleeping through the night again.  (Small stretch of 2am teething cries.)

I’m grateful that I bought those brown boots early in November.  They were worth the investment as I wore them for the billionth time today.

I’m relieved and grateful that today was warm enough for a 30 minute walk outside with the stroller.

I’m grateful for my amazing mother who stayed with me for a month, helping me recuperate from my back sprain and take such loving care of Isaiah.

I’m relieved to hear that Nick’s competitive and perfectionist nature is leading him to absurdly high marks on his midterm exams.

I’m grateful for my life that enables me to write through my pain.

Be grateful and acknowledge those reasons aloud.  You’ll be surprised how many surface…