Thank-full

Only 50 things? I have 50x50 and then 50 times that and more.

Here's my perspective: This has been a hard year. I was frustrated with my job, but passionate about it and more than willing to make it work. Nelson had a good paying job, but was in horrible pain. June came and he had another surgery. One week later I lost my job. Ann moved to Alabama with a guy we didn't know and signed Caden over to her ex. I couldn't find a full-time job. Nelson is still of on disability.

I could whine about that and stomp my feet, shaking my hand at heaven declaring the unfairness of it all. But that's not me. Instead, I choose to see provision and blessing.

We are blessed that Nelson was employed and that his employer has been patient while he heals. He will be going back to work as soon as the doctor releases him.

We are blessed that I was able to find not one but two part-time jobs and while it has stretched us we are current on all our bills. Money comes through right on time--and many friends have been generous to help us on that account.

We are blessed that my employer at Curves has been willing to work with me on my schedule and the other worker where I provide care for Ma'am has been flexible to share hours so that I will be able to care for Asher in the evenings when Nelson goes back to work. (If I had gotten a different job, or jobs, my schedule might not been as flexible.)

We are blessed because though Ann is far away now, we get Caden next week and Penelope for three weeks after that! And Ann and her beau are moving to just outside Missouri and will be six hours closer. Communication and relationship (though shakey) has been restored between her and her dad.

We are blessed to be part of a great church family and to be a part of a very, very special Sunday School class.

I am particularly blessed to have gotten training in grant writing and have the opportunity to work with a couple local ministries to get that started. Through that I am beginning to make some friends.

The very familiar Shepherd's Psalm (Psalm 23) begins with this statement of assurance: The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything that I need. And that's very true in my life.

Last week in worship we sang the old Thanksgiving hymn, "Come, Ye Thankful People Come." I quickly locked onto a phrase that I hadn't really thought about before. The first verse reads: God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied. Our wants. I have always just been satisfied to know that God knows what I need and He supplies it. But this presents an even fuller picture: He will supply my wants.

And that my friends is why, for me, the cup is neither half full or half empty. It truly over-flows, no matter what the circumstances. I am truly, truly blessed.