One Giant Step Back

Dear Reader,

Have you ever had to take a giant step back, just to realize all the blessings God has bestowed upon you? I do not mean stepping into a slimy situation that suddenly makes you thankful for what you had, I am speaking of those times where things are going well. Those times where things really seem to be shaping up, and although you recognize it is the work of God, you find yourself too consumed by life to count the blessings around you.

Along this road that is "life", I have hit some bumps, fell into the ditch and curled up in the fetal position. I have known what it is to wallow in self-pity and to question God's provision. Yet even still, He provides. It is when I am overwhelmed with the "I wants", saturated in impatience, that I seem to forget He is daily blessing me. He not only makes provision for my needs but He sees fit to offer me some of my desires as well. How amazing is that?!

So, where did this train of thought board the track? Well, my husband and I bought our first home, last month. We closed on it on the 31st of August and promptly moved in the following day, with much help from family and friends. It has been just over a week now, but I still find myself walking around this house in a daze, in awe of God's handiwork. Our home is beautiful to me and beyond what I would have ever dreamed we would be able to afford or find. It was not a fixer-upper, we were able to move in right away. It has three bedrooms, which offers room for expansion of our family someday, a lovely kitchen, large backyard, your standard living room and bathroom, as well as a laundry room. No doubt, my husband and I are grateful. I did not do anything to deserve such a home, but surely I am giving thanks!

Despite it being easier now to see how many blessings I have, I still find things coming out of my mouth like "Aw, c'mon...Why can't I have a dog?" My husband grows frustrated and sad when I hound on such issues. When I am fixated on what I do not have, it makes him feel like all that he did to make what I DO have possible, was not worth it. Why did he bother? If that is how he feels, how much worse does God feel?

In our first place together, the apartment we just moved from, it was difficult to find my blessings at times. You would think if things were miserable and something good came along, I would be all on that, thanking God and feeling happy. However, I really did not notice them. Having a roof over my head, shelter from the cold, a soft bed to fall into each night, a laptop which I can readily communicate to my family and friends with, and much more. I must have thought those were things I should have anyway because I had to really step back and look at my situation compared to others around the country, or the world, who do not even have walls around them, blankets to warm them, fresh water to drink, food to eat... So, I started to make a point of stepping back to count my blessings. When something was bothering me, or I felt I was owed something that was being withheld (like new living arrangements) I had to really step out of my current situation, to truly SEE my present circumstances.

I just want to encourage you, and mind you this is coming from one of those most negative people I know, that there is always something to be grateful for. There are times where it will be easier to count your many blessings while other times offer more of a challenge. And I must warn you, that if even in those times of seemingly endless blessings, you may still find yourself wondering why you are without things, as I do. That is why whether in good times, or in bad times, it is important to evaluate your life from a different perspective. Take a step back, look at it from someone else's shoes, be humbled and thank the Lord, for He is always good.

"Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.
You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours."

~Psalm 128:1-2~

In Christ,

PS: Check out these songs: Instead-Stacie Orrico

Blessed-Martina McBride

Count Your Blessings