January - A Month of Gratitude

Written by Rose – January 24th, 2025

January can be a tough month. In fact, google states that a UK travel company, Sky Travel, has calculated the third Monday in January to be the most depressing day of the year.  The highs of Christmas and holidays have often worn off by this time, many (especially those of us in Canada 😉) are experiencing extremely cold weather, most are not getting enough sunlight and vitamin D, and sicknesses and viruses seem to be rampant!  This year, that Monday was January 20th, just a few days ago.  Just writing this all gets me a little down. Lol. So why share these thoughts? 

Well, to be honest, despite being in a warmer climate this month, January has still come with some challenges for us: adjusting back to being just the six of us most of the time, feeling the emptiness of family and friends again, dealing with some long drawn out viruses, and yes, even experiencing the “cold” of Mexico (which was actually a joy as it gave us a few inches of snow and two days of school cancellations!!!). 

In spite of these hurdles, we have truly found joy and contentment in being back in Mexico.  Our empty schedules, so different from our days in Canada when we were out and about two to three times daily, have been refreshing.  We have found our routine again in homeschooling, and spent so much quality time together as a family – playing hockey in the shop, puzzling around the table, going for walks, and getting to know a new puppy, Poppy, that we are taking in for a little while.  We have reconnected with our wonderful friends here in Mexico and know we are so blessed to have them in our lives.  The biggest blessing this month for me, perhaps has been how well our children have adjusted to being back in Mexico.  I was a little concerned over how our return to Mexico would go, after having experienced such a high in Canada.  They have done so well and I know it’s an answer to prayer.  James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”  I don’t take any of these blessings for granted – I know they are truly gifts from God.

So, how is your January going? How have you seen God at work in your life? What blessings has he showered on you?  It’s been proven scientifically that gratitude and anxiety can’t exist in the brain at the same time.  This fact has often challenged me.  I’ve been working on a gratitude list of 1000 things for the last two years, and I challenge you to join me.  Don’t take for granted all the little things and experiences in life – write them down.   Thank God for each one of them. Each time you do, you’ll force your brain to leave anxiety behind and rather focus on the goodness around you.   January is looking brighter every day. 😊

So…here are just a few things on our gratitude lists for this January.

Tessa

1)     Poppy the puppy that’s quite hard to say no to when she sits because she wants you to pet her 😊

2)     Messenger kids and g-mail to connect with my friends back home

3)     When my math is done for the day

4)     The warm sunshine to enjoy outside

5)     God – his goodness, love and many blessings

Jace

1)     Family and friends who love me and care for me

2)     Good warm food that my mom makes for me – like noodle soup 😊

3)     An amazing God who died on the cross for me

4)     A warm house that God gave us

5)     That Jesus is living inside of me

Faith

1)     Parents that take care of me and love me

2)     Friends that send me cards for my birthday – even when I’m in Mexico

3)     For Jesus that died on the cross for my sins

4)     Cousins who come to visit us in Mexico 😊….I can’t wait until Tuesday

5)     My brothers and sisters so that I have someone to play with

Harrison

1)     Good food that my mom makes

2)     Cozy beds in this house

3)     I got some stuff for Christmas

4)     I’m glad that I can learn my letters

5)     I’m glad that I can play with Tarahumaras here

Rose

1)     Watching our children grow in love for one another and deepen their faith in Jesus

2)     Hearing Tessa and Jace laugh together at each other’s jokes

3)     Going for walks on warm sunny mornings with no wind

4)     Experiencing the hospitality of our Mexican friends

5)     Seeing Nathan in a job he loves and thrives in

Nathan

1)     God's goodness. He has provided us with everything we need.

2)     Family and friends who support our family through encouragement, prayers and support.

3)     My wife who has supported me throughout this year.

4)     My four wonderful children who are learning to shine their lights wherever we are

5)     A good community to live in.

Oaks of Righteousness Ministry Gratitude List

1)     A new property and the many renovations made at the property for the Ministry

2)     The New Bus – praise the Lord – was purchased just two weeks 😊

3)     Our many, many supporters who, with their financial support, make it possible for the ministry to continue.

4)     Our home churches – ours at home and Heimat Gemeinde – the church we’ve been attending in Mexico - for their prayers, support and sending youth to help.

5)     The Missions Conference that was held this last week – an amazing opportunity for the ministry to grow in awareness.  We have already experienced the blessings of that!