Blessings

My anxious heart has been so heavy lately, but in the midst of the heaviness, God has gently pointed out so many blessings to me. Little rays of sunshine peek through and slowly He's bringing me bits of joy, reminders of His goodness and love for me. In thanks and praise, I want to list the highlights. God has been good to me and I want to be vocal about the good, like I am with the bad.

I have a husband who loves me, who's my best friend, really. He was made for me and we've both known it from the first few days we were obsessed with each other. In the early days it was late night talks, hysterical laughter, and the excitement of new love. Now, it's blossomed into knowing glances, hugs while I'm making dinner, late night exhausted heart-to-heart talks, laughing at our kids' antics, and a peaceful unity of mind and spirit that baffles me sometimes. Sharing this life with Matt has been the greatest joy I could have ever dreamed up for myself.

I have three, healthy, happy, inventive and beautiful children. I may not be the perfect mom, but amazingly they love me just the same. They are the funniest little companions to share my day with. I was thinking yesterday (thank you God for the reminder) about the often quoted biblical truth that children are a blessing. This is so really/practically true. So many more times than I can even remember, my little ones have encouraged me and spoken truth into a dark day. Their little hearts trust in Jesus openly and so fully. They're hungry to know about Him and worry about people we love who don't know him. I could say so much more, but for now I'm thankful for the three (really four) little miracles who I've been blessed to live with and sacrifice for. They're worth every minute.

I have two parents, still married, and a brother and sister. All of us share the same faith and we love each other, no matter that we're all pretty different. It's only as an adult that I've realized what a blessing this is. Family hurts run deep and I've had much fewer than most.

Although Matt and I have had our lean years financially, God has always provided for us and many times He's done it in miraculous ways. Money shows up at the door/mailbox in unmarked envelopes (more times than I can count), cars are GIVEN to us (three times), our pediatrician decides not to charge us and chalks it up to 'frequent flyer miles'. I'm sure I've forgotten a few too. We've suffered too, but I'm thankful for the unexpected gifts He gives us so generously.

There's more, but my fingers are tired. My heart is full and my breakfast is calling. Praise God who gives us more than we can ever ask or imagine.