Have you read the book "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp?
I have to admit I have not read it in its entirety yet...yet already in the first few chapters, I know I need to learn the secret of 'eucharisto' - Thanksgiving......'charis' which means grace; 'chara' is joy....
Paul learned this secret when he confidently said (and challenged all believers to come to this point too)......
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content
in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
so in the dailyness of life....changing a 4 year old special need son's diaper, sweeping the floor, folding the seemingly unending pile of laundry, making bread and meals,.....all is to be done in an attitude of Thanksgiving.....
just as God tells us in Psalm 50....
14 "Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High,
15 and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
At times, giving thanks does feel like a sacrifice....other times the thanks roll with such ease.....
but in all things....to give thanks.....this is the joy in the journey.....
Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done, in Whom this world rejoices;
Who from our mothers' arms has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.
O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts and blessèd peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace, and guide us when perplexed;
And free us from all ills, in this world and the next!
All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given;
The Son and Him Who reigns with Them in highest Heaven;
The one eternal God, whom earth and Heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.