When I remember that I am loved, I am better in the world. When I remember that I was loved well before I ever had any parents, teachers, friends, brothers, sisters, co-workers,to love and approve of me, I am better in the world. And when I remember that I am loved so deeply every moment of my life by a power greater than me, I am grateful.

I need to take the time to receive and experience that love. This morning nothing was good enough for me. I was all over my husband because he wanted to pray before he wanted to make breakfast. What?? Then, I thought I was going to lose my mind, as my kids were pulling out the orange juice and running around the kitchen, while I was trying to make breakfast. Then, thank God, I said, "You know what, I need to be with God. I will be a better mommy." So, I took my ipod out to my studio, cranked it up as loud as I could for thirty minutes and danced. Not to mention read some butt-kicking Amos out of the Bible. Have you ever read Amos? He is the prophet who said "Let justice flow down like a mighty river.." He does not mince words, I tell you. I needed that this morning. A good butt-kicking. And a little love, that did reach me as my shoulders crumpled and I cried. I need to melt a little before love can get in sometimes.

As I pulled weeds this morning after my butt-kicking, a thought flew through my head, "I am so grateful to be on the planet to pull weeds." Now, I know there are some people out there who find weed pulling therapeutic. I am not one of them. I whine, I sweat, I complain when I am knee deep in tall green weeds. Hundreds of them. But not today; I was grateful to breath in fresh air (even if I was having an allergy attack), watch my daughter ride her scooter in her pajamas and hear my husband whistle in the backyard. I have a friend who recently had to be flighted up to Denver due to a bleed in her brian. I just talked to her today, finally. I cried when I heard her voice. The first thing she said to me was, "Jenny, I am so grateful to be alive." Yes, yes, me too.

Gratitude heals me. But first, sometimes, I need a really good butt-kicking. Thanks Amos, and thank you God, for longing for me as much as I long for you.