Being Thankful

As I read Facebook posts, I am always amazed at the number of people who use it to complain about how bad things are for them. I'm sure I've done it... we all vent. Here are all my knee-jerk complaints that I have thought about posting... this week.

1. My husband is gone once a week for grad school, so we don't see him those days.
2. My husband has night meetings that keep him from us a few times a month.
3. My daughter consistently wakes in the 4 or 5 AM hour to feed.
4. My house's foundation is moving causing the doors to stick.
5. My heater doesn't heat the kids rooms very well.
6. My 3 year old is full of sass and shares it readily.
7.My blah, blah, blah.... bitch, bitch, bitch.

Yuck. I know things are bad sometimes, but I think we all need a wake up call. I recently heard a speaker and had mine. She was just a mom, who has the most amazing outlook on life. All she said to us was this, "No matter what your life is like you are living the dream, so take the time to give thanks to God and enjoy it. You might not like your house: out of date, bad foundation, old siding, lousey neighborhood, etc... But you have a house. And at this very moment, someone is living in a tiny apartment dreaming of your house. You are so blessed. Please don't spend your life dreaming of more when you could be enjoying what you have."

Wow. I took a long hard look at myself and the little things I let bring me down...
1. My husband is gone once a week for grad school, so we don't see him at all. My husband is in GRAD school while working full time, so I can stay home. He's a rock star.

2. My daughter consistently wakes in the 4 or 5 AM hour to feed. I have a daughter. A wonderfully sweet, squeezy ball of love, who can't wait to spend those first few moments of her day with me. She's healthy and happy. What a blessing.
3. My house's foundation is moving causing the doors to stick. I have a house... a house that I love and a yard to enjoy with my sweet babies.
4. My 3 year old is full of sass and shares it readily. I have a very smart and very vocal 3 year old who uses he smarts for sass, but also he uses it to bless me. He realizes things like this, "Mommy, some mommies go to work all the time. You get to play with me. I'm so glad you get to stay home with me and Caroline."
5. My husband has to work late some nights, and I don't get a break. My husband has a job. Scratch that- my husband has a great job that provides for our family.


No matter how hard I try to be upset about something, I am slapped with the realization that my small inconviences are temporary setbacks related to a much greater blessing.

No matter what your life looks like, you are living someone's dream. Why not make it your dream and be thankful?

:)
Anne