One of my absolute favorites times during the day is our night routine with Brady and Abby.  After giving them a bath, brushing teeth, and putting on pj’s, we all go pile into  “the special reading chairs” in this nook upstairs.  I am not really sure when these slipcovered, hand-me down chairs from my in-laws were named this, but I have really grown to like calling them that because the moments that happen in these chairs are so special! 

Each night, we read 2-3 books to the kids.  There is something so wonderful about having both kiddos calmly snuggled up in your lap reading and looking at pictures together.   Sometimes, these moments are anything but calm when the book Tickle Monster is the one chosen.  Then the calm moment turns into fits of giggles and laughs that make you smile so much your cheeks hurt. 

Most nights, however, this moment closes out the day for us as we invariably start reviewing the day with Brady.  Apparently at some point, we started asking him each night, “what are you thankful for today?” I do not think either Chris or I realized we were asking this question every night, but now if we make the move to get the kids into their beds before asking the question, Brady quickly reminds us, “No, what are we “fankful for”?”  (one day we will get those “th” sounds down!). 

Tonight was a night that Brady reminded me not to forget that ever important question of “What are you “fankful for” today?  I am glad he did because as always, I have a lot to be thankful for. 

What are you thankful for today? 

Becky Eldredge

Becky is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and writer. She is the author of the Busy Lives and Restless Souls (March 2017, Loyola Press) and The Inner Chapel (April 2020, Loyola Press). She helps others create space to connect faith and everyday life through facilitating retreats and days of reflection, through writing, and through spiritual direction. With nearly twenty years of ministry experience within the Catholic Church, Becky seeks to help others discover God at work in the every day moments of people’s lives by utilizing St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises and the many gifts that our Catholic faith and Ignatian Spirituality provide.