Blank screen, blank mind. Ugh. Cannot think of anything specific to write; a million thoughts running through my head. Most days sitting down to write is as easy as writing that first sentence. Some days like today I can't seem to find anything that gels. I'm sitting here sipping my vinegar lemon water (the things we have to do to try to stay healthy!), listening to the dryer run and the wind chime making music in the breeze. The birds are singing, there is the sound of children playing and all I can think of is how grateful I am.
I was thinking last night that at 56 (gasp! how did that happen?) I am probably way over the half way point in my life. I have beautiful kids that I am so blessed with. Grand kids that make me smile every time I think of them. A comfortable home (yes a bit messy at the moment, but I'll get around to that hopefully), a lovely yard and a heck of a fun car to drive. We have a business that is a lot of work, but that is such a blessing. We are reasonably healthy and in the process of trying to improve that. We live in a wonderful little community and an amazing country and we serve a great God. All I can think of is how grateful I am.
I look back at where I came from, and I am amazed. The child of alcoholics. Alone and emotionally abandoned much of my childhood and youth. Then an alcoholic and drug user myself. Seemingly adrift, no thought for the future. Basically being seduced at age thirteen, then having an abortion at the same age. Feeling worthless and valueless, giving myself away to whomever would have me. Always thinking of myself as a piece of trash and then being treated like it. Now what do I have? A great God who loves me more than I could ever comprehend. A wonderful husband who cherishes me. Children who love me and grandchildren who I hope think their nana is pretty cool. A stable home, filled with security and love. A profession that allows us to see some of the most incredible cars around. A ministry in our home group and for me, here writing this blog. All I can think is how grateful I am.
Yes, the world is in turmoil. Our country has leaders that are acting like spoiled brats because they don't like their President. There are earthquakes, tornadoes, and volcanoes erupting. There will always be something we disagree with. People we don't get along with. Troubles and trials and tribulations. Homeless people and people who spend money on their every whim with no regard to others. Those who are hungry and those who indulge every impulse and inclination. But today I have a roof over my head, I have a cup of coffee here to drink, I have a healthy family. All I can think of is how very grateful I am.
Yes, there is sickness and death. There are outbreaks of seemingly never heard of diseases. There are mass shootings inspired by an evil that is unimaginable. But there are children also still being born every day, like Maverick yesterday. (Congrats Adam and Stephanie!) And there is new life available to all who will but ask, through the blood of Jesus Christ. There is hope and there is grace and there is love abounding in the presence of God. And again, all I can say is how grateful I am.
Grateful that He created all this beauty for us. Grateful that He thought of me before I was in my mother's belly; that He chose me before He ever even created everything else. I am grateful even as my tongue sometimes complains. As I complain about the price of gas, I am grateful I have a vehicle to drive. As I complain about the traffic on my way to work, I am grateful for a job. As I complain about the dishes and the dust, I am grateful for a home to live in. Lord, help me always to flip the coin over and see the good in what I moan and bellyache about. Let me have a heart of gratitude for all You are and all You have given me. Let my heart be filled with joy and wonder rather than griping and grumbling. Let me see You in all I do, all I have, all I am.
I was thinking last night that at 56 (gasp! how did that happen?) I am probably way over the half way point in my life. I have beautiful kids that I am so blessed with. Grand kids that make me smile every time I think of them. A comfortable home (yes a bit messy at the moment, but I'll get around to that hopefully), a lovely yard and a heck of a fun car to drive. We have a business that is a lot of work, but that is such a blessing. We are reasonably healthy and in the process of trying to improve that. We live in a wonderful little community and an amazing country and we serve a great God. All I can think of is how grateful I am.
I look back at where I came from, and I am amazed. The child of alcoholics. Alone and emotionally abandoned much of my childhood and youth. Then an alcoholic and drug user myself. Seemingly adrift, no thought for the future. Basically being seduced at age thirteen, then having an abortion at the same age. Feeling worthless and valueless, giving myself away to whomever would have me. Always thinking of myself as a piece of trash and then being treated like it. Now what do I have? A great God who loves me more than I could ever comprehend. A wonderful husband who cherishes me. Children who love me and grandchildren who I hope think their nana is pretty cool. A stable home, filled with security and love. A profession that allows us to see some of the most incredible cars around. A ministry in our home group and for me, here writing this blog. All I can think is how grateful I am.
Yes, the world is in turmoil. Our country has leaders that are acting like spoiled brats because they don't like their President. There are earthquakes, tornadoes, and volcanoes erupting. There will always be something we disagree with. People we don't get along with. Troubles and trials and tribulations. Homeless people and people who spend money on their every whim with no regard to others. Those who are hungry and those who indulge every impulse and inclination. But today I have a roof over my head, I have a cup of coffee here to drink, I have a healthy family. All I can think of is how very grateful I am.
Yes, there is sickness and death. There are outbreaks of seemingly never heard of diseases. There are mass shootings inspired by an evil that is unimaginable. But there are children also still being born every day, like Maverick yesterday. (Congrats Adam and Stephanie!) And there is new life available to all who will but ask, through the blood of Jesus Christ. There is hope and there is grace and there is love abounding in the presence of God. And again, all I can say is how grateful I am.
Grateful that He created all this beauty for us. Grateful that He thought of me before I was in my mother's belly; that He chose me before He ever even created everything else. I am grateful even as my tongue sometimes complains. As I complain about the price of gas, I am grateful I have a vehicle to drive. As I complain about the traffic on my way to work, I am grateful for a job. As I complain about the dishes and the dust, I am grateful for a home to live in. Lord, help me always to flip the coin over and see the good in what I moan and bellyache about. Let me have a heart of gratitude for all You are and all You have given me. Let my heart be filled with joy and wonder rather than griping and grumbling. Let me see You in all I do, all I have, all I am.