In these past weeks, I realized I've been focusing all of my energy on things that don't matter. Stressing over the tiniest comment or missed chore. Reading His Word has opened my eyes; I need to focus on the blessings and gifts the Lord has given me. When your heart is centered on all you have, you realize the little things aren't important. You realize how blessed you truly are. How much you have when there are so many with nothing.
I decided to start jotting down the many blessings the Lord has bestowed upon me, and I keep the list near me at all times. So when life's trials seem too much, I can focus on all that I have, remembering how good life is.
1. The Cross. Christ's sacrifice and Resurrection. He is alive. I am so thankful for my salvation.
2. God's love. I am a child of God, and when I think about how much he loves me I'm overwhelmed.
3. Mr. B. I thank the Lord, twice, daily for my husband. The Lord brought us together. We balance each other. When I am weak, he is strong and vice versa. He's my best friend.
4. My parents. I still have both of my parents at the age of 26. I know so many my age who have suffered the loss of a parent, or both. I'm cherishing every moment.
5. Siblings. Again, I know way too many people who've lost brothers and sisters. I'm so blessed to still have mine. And we're healthy. And we love each other. And we support each other.
6. Family. Even though we can get on each others' nerves (what family doesn't?), I'm blessed to have family I can turn to and lean on. I have a huge family. And my thoughts are constantly with those members who are no longer here.
7. Friends. They are great blessings. Everyone needs friends to help balance them out. They're the "family" we get to choose. They're our support system.
8. A warm bed. During these last cold months, my thoughts have turned to the homeless. I crawl into cold sheets at night and shiver because our bedroom is only 59 degrees. But I remind myself there are those without beds, sleeping on the cold ground. I'm thankful for my bed.
9. Warren-Trumbull County Public Library. My place of employment. The Lord provides, and I'm thankful evermore for the opportunity to do something I love while working with such great, fun people.
10. Our house. I have a place I can call home. Just when we thought our house-searching progress halted, the Lord guided us to this wonderful home. It was an easy process and it felt right. With only a little renovation, we've made the house ours. I'm so thankful we're able to afford a lovely home.
In less than a year of purchasing our own home, I've known two families whose homes have been lost to fires, friends of my parents, and my father-in-law. It's ridiculous how your whole life and it's memories can be lost in a matter of minutes. I say a silent prayer of thanks every time I pull into my driveway.
11. Hot meals.
"Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much better than they?" Matthew 6:26 (KJV)
12. The car. I am all too familiar with cars that never seem to start in the cold, break down in the middle of a busy intersection, or are in constant need of repairs. For the last three years I've been able to afford a car that is reliable. It gets me where I need to go with heat and air. I'm so very thankful, especially when I see someone broken down on the side of the road. I remember that used to be me, and I say a quick prayer that one day they too will have a reliable car.
13. Faith Family Church. My church. It's hard to go through life when you can't hear God's Word constantly. To know I have a home church where I feel welcomed and loved, who shares my beliefs, is very important to me. I'm encouraged and uplifted every time I hear a sermon.
14. Good health. I've been struggling with a sinus infection lately which has reminded me that I am in good health otherwise. Having your health is so important, which is why I commit daily to fueling my body with the food it needs and living a healthy lifestyle.
15. Sight. I can see! I can read books, see colors! Do you how many people can't?
16. Walking. I suffered a minor foot injury a few weeks ago, and after having my grandpa adjust it, I'm getting along much better. But during my down time all I could think about was, What if I always have a limp? I thought about all the things I wouldn't be able to do. I thought about a high school friend of mine who lost both of his legs in Afghanistan. Something so simple, but I take it for granted every time I get out of bed in the morning.
17. That I'm able to do everyday things on my own. Like go to the bathroom, brush my teeth, get out of bed, eat, and dress. Use fresh produce to make delicious meals. Heat a kettle for tea. One day I might need assistance with these simple tasks. Take the time to appreciate these now.
18. A beautiful mind. I'm thrilled I can think on my own. I'm educated. I'm creative. I can figure things out.
19. Money for bills. I don't have to fret over those student loan bills that come each month. We live within our means, and it's comforting to know I won't come home to the electric or the gas shut off.
20. An education. It was a struggle. A lot of tears. A lot of money. A lot of debt. But I have two degrees. I have a career. I can afford to go on vacation and purchase decor for our home. I'm very proud and extremely blessed the Lord has given me this opportunity.
21. The clothes on my back. That I don't have to worry about wearing old clothes, or finding clothes to wear. I have an abundance of clothes. And I'm always willing to help out those in need.
22. Grandparents. Unfortunately, not all of my grandparents are here today. But I'm always thinking about them, and I'm thankful so very much for the ones still here with me. You never know how much time you have.
23. My love of books. I've learned so much from my love of reading. I thank the good Lord that he bestowed me with this passion.
24. My husband's employment. It's hard to enjoy your job when you're surrounded by constant negativity, like my husband is as a Sheriff's Deputy. But I believe he is doing good in this world and he's changing some lives, even if he doesn't realize it.
25. The seasons. Some people dislike the cold and hot, but I'm grateful for all seasons. God made this world beautiful, and I'm blessed to experience it.
26. Love. Some people go through their whole life never experiencing love. I'm happy to say I know how to love, and I know I am loved.
I plan to share more of my blessings in another post (soon, I hope), and I encourage you to start counting your blessings. Feel free to comment and share how good the Lord is below!
With Love and God Bless,
Brindi
Brindi, I just visited your link to send someone one of your recipes that I was telling them about, your beauty burgers and got caught up reading this post. Wow, let me say, my spirits have been lifted. Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so very welcome, but you're comment has uplifted me and put a huge smile on my face this morning. This is the very reason I started this blog, to reach others, whether it's through Scripture, my thoughts, or beauty burgers. Thank you for reading!
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