Thankful
I know I complain. I complain a lot. I complain about my children and their mouths, their lack of accountability, how much they fight, and their unwillingness to help around the house. I also complain about being overwhelmed. I'm overwhelmed by laundry, by cleaning, by relationships, and by money (or my lack there of). What I don't do enough of is be thankful. While I spend so much time focusing on the things that bring me down, I am frequently blind to the blessings that surround me.
While they are the cause of so much of my frustration, I am truly grateful for my children. Their smiling faces and their laughter fill me with an indescribable warmth. I struggle with my daughter's behavior disorders and sometimes find myself at a breaking point. Then I remember the moms that have lost their daughters and can't struggle with them anymore. I am so thankful for every day I get to say "Good morning." to both of my babies. I also think about the women who want so desperately to be mamas and for whatever reason can't conceive or the mamas that have to share their kids with exes. I am so blessed to have two beautiful babies that I don't have to share with anyone. They are mine for every weekend, every holiday, every birthday, and every summer.
Since losing my job in April of 2008, money has been tight. I am thankful that with the exception of my mortgage, I have no outstanding debt. While I sometimes struggle to pay the bills coming in, I still have the luxuries of DirecTv, internet, and a Blackberry. I haven't needed to eliminate them completely from my life. Through careful budgeting, my kids still get new shoes, new clothes, and new toys, movies, and video games. We have never had to go without a meal; and instead of having to get rid of pets we couldn't afford to feed, in May, we added a new dog to our family.
It is so easy to revel in our hardships. In doing so, we often lose sight of the blessings we receive every day. I fight with depression and sometimes I feel hopeless, helpless, and ready to give up. Then, I remember... There is no struggle too great and through Him, all things are possible. While I know my journey hasn't been all sunshine and roses, I know there are people out there with a more difficult lot.
Take some time to count your blessings.
Happy Thanksgiving!
3 comments:
Agreed. I'm counting mine right there with you. I'm also adding one - YOU! Thanks for being a supportive friend over this year. I'm thankful to know you!
It's in those little things that I cling sometimes. Regardless of where we get to we can still give thanks for things like satellite tv, cell phones, and pets. You're right and a great example of giving thanks for our kids even when they drive us insane, because we have them in our lives still unlike other families. I appreciate that perspective.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Mimi
Good post! I forget all the time that I have so much good in my life. It is good to remember.
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