If you had asked me ten years ago what my plans were for the future, I can absolutely promise you, the life I live is not what I would I have predicted for me. But, this is where I am. And... I am content. Scratch that – I am truly happy. Do I have everything I want for myself? No. Do I have all the things I wish to acquire? No. Am I satisfied with living out the rest of my days without a life partner to share them with? No. So, why in the heck am I content? I am glad you asked, my friend…
We can all make the choice on where our focus lies. We can zero in on the car we don’t drive, the home we don’t have, the spouse who isn’t there, and on and on and on and on… OR we can choose to COUNT OUR BLESSINGS! Focusing on the all of the things we do have.
First and foremost on this list for me is I am thankful for Jesus Christ who died as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins so that we may be forgiven. That’s not even the end of it – he did so that we could have a relationship with God. And how awesome is it to know that He is always there? Words cannot even express the joy I feel to know that there is someone who loves me more than I can imagine and wants nothing but the best for me. Even when I do not have the faith in Him that He has for me, He loves me still. Wow!
I also have the best family on the planet – hands down! We are like a litter of pups gathered from the SPCA… we have real ‘blood’ siblings, half siblings, step siblings, and step parents. And we are closer than most any family I know. No matter what happens in my life, I know that I can run right to my family. And guess what? When I screw up, they will tell me. When I make them proud, they tell me that, too. Either way – no matter how they feel about my choices in life at the time, I know they are there for me and will always be. We laugh together, cry together, have fun together, worship together, and enjoy each other. What a truly amazing gift from above to have this kind of perfect love on earth!
And where would I be without my friends? Like any true collector, they have been carefully selected over time. Some come and go, but the true core group of super-awesome-girlfriends I have are rock solid. They have proved time and again that no matter what happens in my life – good or bad – they will be by my side to see me through. I am so thankful to have been blessed with such awesome women to grow with me throughout my life.
I am reminded of the poem ‘footprints’ which talks about a man who is frustrated with God because he has noticed that in the worst of times, there is a single set of footprints in his path in life. He thinks it is because God has left and had him walking alone through his darkest and deepest valleys. Until God tells him the single set of footprints are there because God carried him through the hard times… well, that is how my life has been with my family and my friends. They are always there. I know the Lord has blessed me with these people and I am forever grateful.
Remember I mentioned those boys I am raising? Well, sometimes, I think they may be teaching me more than I teach them! My favorite thing about them is how deeply they love… I know that not all people can love so completely, and I can appreciate this in them. Hearing them say, ‘I love you, mommy,’ truly melts my heart. I am so sincerely thankful for these beautiful boys… they make my life worth living and remind me every day of God’s love for me and the greatness that he wants in my life.
Well, I think you are all up to speed on the basics… NOW, you will understand where I am coming from when I write the things I do. I hope you enjoy this little blog and are entertained in sharing my blessings and trials!
With love,
April
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