Counting My Blessings

Sometimes, okay actually most of the time, it's so easy for me to focus on the struggles in my life. The places that God is working to soften the edges on and in me (the more he refines, the more edges seem to appear). I read a dear friend's blog today and she talked about keeping a journal of God's blessings in our lives. I've got so many and yet, I allow my busyness and to-do list to distract me from what is so amazing about having him in my life. I tend to focus on what I need and should do and have instead of what He has so graciously given me. There was a time in my life when He was not the center. I thought I was on my way to having it all...a successful husband, career with a company I was proud to tell people I worked for, a big house, nice clothes, good friends. I didn't realize how empty my life really was because I was so focused on checking off the list of things I thought I needed to make me happy. I nearly lost my marriage during this quest for happiness. But then, I finally allowed God to take control of the life that was His in the first place. I couldn't believe what freedom there was in surrender. God has now given me a marriage that I could have never dreamed possible - to a husband who adores me and our two beautiful sons. His devotion to us is second only to his devotion to God and I feel so blessed...blessed beyond words for what He has so willingly provided. So, today I will start my blessings journal. The first few on my list will look like this:
*I have a Father who loves me more than I could ever imagine.
*My Father has given me a husband and two beautiful boys to help enrich my life and fill my days with laughter.
*My siblings and their families each love and follow Christ.
*I worship and work at a church that has an amazing community of people.

Don't let this day pass without taking time to focus on your blessings!!!