Gratitude Journal

 At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." -Albert Schweitzer 

When I found the above quote, I knew it needed to be in this gratitude post. I feel like my light is a slow burning ember right now. This crazy roller coaster called deployment catches me off guard some days. I'm doing ok. I'm not having particularly high or low emotions. I kind of feel I may be in my groove; unfortunately, the groove is even-keel more than anything. I do what I need to do. I'm silly with my kids. I socialize with the neighbors. I converse with my friends and family. But, overall, I think I'm just ticking off days on a calendar.

I don't think it would be surprising to say deployment is lonely. Not because I am alone but because I'm without a very key person in my life. My grandma always says you can be in a room full of people and still feel alone. I guess that is a good analogy for deployment.
As I sit to write this gratitude post, I am deeply grateful for those people Albert Schweitzer talks about. People who continue to "rekindle" my slow burning ember with their spark. 
I am thankful for... a cup of coffee with a friend. Hugs from my Bible Study gals. An invitation to come see the new office from old co-workers. A phone conversation with my "adopted" little sis. A phone call from my actual little sis. And from my mom. My morning text messages from a dear friend. A walk with the neighbor. Happy kids. Sweet comments on a blog post. Encouraging emails from hubby.
These are my sparks when months of deployment feels like years. I am so grateful.   
Linking up with {Bee}autiful Blessings