Count your Blessings

Sunday was a frustrating day. In fact, many of my days lately have been hard to deal with.

It started off by being late for church, skipping breakfast because I didn’t have time to eat (not good for this prego, always hungary woman), then having to rush grocery shopping (with hubby and all three kids mind you) in order to get home so I could get my daughter to her “bridging” ceremony for Girl Scouts. Then, at said bridging ceremony, I realized I forgot my dad-gum camera. Then I turned to my husband and complained about forgetting, then said, “I’m the worst Mom ever!”

Okay, so we all know when we stay that, what we’re really saying is, “Please reassure me that this doesn’t make me a horrible mother.” My hubby’s reply? “What, you’re just now figuring that out?”

My mouth gaped. I choked down a sob. Then I realized that directly before my bemoaning comment, I’d said, “SHOOT! I forgot my camera!” I knew he was probably referring to that, but… he was right? So I asked him, and he about choked when I repeated what I’d said. He assured me he was referring to the fact that we’d sat for 20 minutes, watching everyone else take pictures, and the thought just dawned on me that I didn’t have mine. That was actually quite a funny moment to be honest, seeing him backpedal so fast.

It all got me thinking. Right now, I’m seeing the bad in everything. I’m not normally like that, I like to smile through pain and I’m a big believer in being an “overcomer.” Part of the reason I’m not at the moment is because of pregnant hormone issues. But the biggest, obviously, is because of all the fears running through my head with baby.

So I thought today, we should all stop and take a minute to look at the bright side of things. Or, more aptly put, count our blessings.

Here is what I came up with:

• Health Insurance. Many are without it, or don’t have very good insurance. I’m blessed to have it so while our expenses will be much higher and we are tightening our belt, this won’t cripple us. We don’t have to fret about money, we can spend our time concentrating on baby Annabelle.
• My Job. With so many people out of work, I’m thankful that I have a good job that helps support our family, and that I’ll be able to take time off to take care of baby.
• My husband. I can’t imagine being a single mother going through all this. I thank God for my husband every day! He’s been a rock for me through this, and an example of faith and trust in God.
• A strong extended family. From grandparents, parents, sisters, brothers, to aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. my family has been amazing praying for us and standing by us.
• A house. As much as I bemoan about the need for it to be a little bigger with our now 4 children, I’m very thankful to have a comfortable place to take care of my family and bring my baby Annabelle home to.
• Friends. From “live” friends to all my writing friends I’ve met online, everyone has been so kind about praying for Annabelle and offering help. I’m overwhelmed with everyone’s kindness.
• I can still write. I’ve been in a huge slump the last while, but I sat down and wrote 200 words last night. Not a lot, but it helped me. My writing may be slow, but it hasn’t disappeared.
• Last but not least. God. He’s right here beside me every step of the way. He gives me that wee bit of strength I need when I feel like I’m going to completely lose it. He gives me something to laugh at when all I want to do is cry.

Oh, and one other blessing.

As most of you know, they announced the Genesis finalists last Thursday. I didn’t final, and while I was bummed, baby Annabelle was so much more important, and to be honest, I just brushed it aside. I didn’t need to let it get me down any more.

BUT!

On Sunday, while I was finishing writing this post… I got an e-mail.

This is my FIRST contest final ever, and I’m so totally completely overwhelmed. How AWESOME is it that while I’m writing a blog post on counting my blessings, as I type about how God gives me strength and makes me laugh, that I get an e-mail like that!

I am so beyond excited. I needed this ounce of encouragement more than I can even begin to convey. God is… Wow. Yes, I think that sums it up. He is just wow.

Discussion: I’d LOVE for everyone to name a blessing that God has given you. Let’s rejoice in Him today, and focus on the good, shall we?