Because I'm the Mommy

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one.

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

The Mommy household spent Sunday evening in Church, mostly because it's what we do but also because the Hubby was the "guest Pastor". No, the Hubby isn't a Pastor, but he is an Elder in our church so that means when our Pastor is out of town or otherwise MIA one of the Elders steps up to bat. Last Sunday the Hubby drew the short straw. (Yeah, I mixed my metaphors. I don't know enough about baseball to keep that up.... Deal!) After church the Hubby and I sat around, while the kids ~~attempted to bring the church down around our ears~~ ran around, talking with some of the other congregants. We caught up with people we hadn't seen lately, laughed and made small talk, BSed and enjoyed being together. One of our friends started sharing his story; his road to faith and what was going on in his life now. Even though he's struggling right now he reminded us how important it is to remember how blessed we really are--to count your blessings.

It got me to thinking. How am I blessed?

The fact is, if you asked me to list everything that was wrong with my life I could be here all day. I mean first and foremost on my list would be that I live in a house with four other people and have only ONE bathroom! Geeze! I could go on about autism and a stack of bills and the need for a new car. I could make you weep with all of the misfortunate episodes of my existence but when I look around noticing the shabby chic ~~more shabby than chic~~ existence that I lead, I can't help but smile when I realize that those same items that I count in my deficit column are in fact a part of the blessings I count for myself as well ~~except the bathroom--there is no way I can look on the bright side of that one~~!

Our home is modest because we have three of the most blessed of blessings--our children. The fact we have a home is a huge blessing.
My daughter has autism and we are fortunate that it is mild to moderate. I can't image her differently and I can't help but think that without the autism we would never really appreciate all the small milestones in her life and in ours.
That stack of bills is due to illnesses that required us to take the children to the hospital. We were blessed with talented medical professionals that made our children well. We are blessed to have such a wonderful children's hospital within a short distance from our home.
The need for a new car.... Well, at least we aren't driving a minivan right now!
My sorrows and misadventures brought me to this moment; where I am sharing my life with all of you.
And the bathroom--I still got nuthin'! God I'm putting that one in your hands!

I can't thank my friend at church enough for sharing his blessings with me by explaining his outlook. I am reminded that God makes no mistakes. Everything happens for a reason, like the Hubby being the GP on a night when my friend was feeling chatty so that I could be reminded that I am and always will be a precious and holy, dearly loved, child of God.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,

Do not be disheartened, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.