Inventorying Blessings

In the midst of the Oklahoma tragedies, I think people start to take stock of their own lives and their blessings. In moments when it feels like the walls are closing in on us, like there are no options for us, is that really the case or just our human nature doubting the power of God?

Recently my husband and I were making a decision and I felt like our options were so limited and that the decision was guiding our lives instead of us guiding the decision. I realized we had put limits on ourselves, in reality the decisions were ours to make, we were ultimately the ones choosing our options. Of course I mean the Lord is ultimately in control and we have decision-making skills to allow us to choose to follow His will. Feeling overwhelmed and limited by our options, I realize that the most important parts of my life were still going well – my family was healthy, our adoption had finalized and my husband has a good job, which provides health benefits. It was in that moment that I realized we can allow ourselves to get so wrapped in our decisions or situations, that we forget to be thankful for the basic things like family, health and even food. My heart goes out to those that have lost so much in the wake of this tragedy, may all of us allow this moment to remind us to stop and really inventory our blessings. Perhaps we could choose today to look at the gifts and treasure we have and to be grateful for them.

I’ve learned a few things that I need to reminded of as well: when my kids throw a tantrum, I need to redirect them but be grateful that I have children to redirect, when the laundry baskets cover the couch, I should be grateful that we even have clothing and finally I am reminded of the simplest things; my grandma has a spoon holder on her stove that says – thank God for dirty dishes because while some go hungry, we have food to eat.

What are the simple things you’re thankful for?