Caution: Deep Thought Ahead : )

I have a wonderful husband. He often sends me emails during the week telling me how much he loves me and how blessed he is to have me in his life. I love that about Jeff! He is so thoughtful and he goes out of his way to make me feel special. This morning in particular, I have been kinda grouchy. So when I got his email, it really made my day!!! But the most important point is this: It reminded me that I am truly blessed beyond measure!

I think there are a lot of women in this country who feel unloved by their husbands, or neglected, or ignored, or oppressed or whatever you want to call it. Yet I have a husband who nurtures me, encourages me, loves me,and points me toward God. He takes the time to remind me how much he loves me and how special I am to him. He helps with the chores, he helps with our daughter and on top of that works full time at a job he doesn't especially love, just to support us. He bears the full financial responsibility for our family. And he does it all graciously and without complaint. Thank you Jeff for being the husband of my dreams... for making all of my dreams come true!

We've all had a case of the sniffles. Some days are worse than others, but it is so easy for me to get cranky about it. I'm tired of blowing my nose. I'm tired of not being able to breath. I'm tired of sneezing and I'm tired of coughing. Today, though, I am reminded that there are people out there who have terminal illnesses or broken bodies. There are people who have spent countless days in a hospital bed, undergoing tests, needles pokes, doctor visits, surgeries, you name it. There are people in this world who are thankful to have woken up one more time. And so I am humbled. Reminded that my minor cold is nothing more than a slight inconvenience, and I should treat it as such. Today I am grateful for my health and for this body.

Being sick and cranky isn't usually a good combination for both McKinley and I. I've found that I lose my patience more easily with her... even though I know she doesn't feel good either. She is whiny... she cries a lot... she won't sleep... she won't eat much. And after a good part of the day, it really wears on me. Yet there are men and women out there who long for a child, yet cannot have one. There are parents out there who have a child with a disability, so they may never see their child run or walk, they may never see their child smile or hear their child's voice. Again, I am reminded to be thankful for the healthy, beautiful, wonderful daughter that God has blessed us with. To be thankful that she is active, that she is vocal, even that she is mobile.

Whatever our lot maybe, there are so many more who have it worse than we do. So just a quick suggestion: Count your blessings today. We all have them... we just have to open our eyes to see them.

Thank you Jeff for the good reminder today. I have too many blessings to count!