Counting My Blessings

You know those times in life where you are more grateful for people and things than normal? Yeah, I had one of those days a few days ago. Right before lunch T texted me and said “Well, hit a deer on the interstate. Probably totaled truck”. The end.  No “I’m ok” or “headed to the hospital”…nothing! UGH! I called him immediately and after 2 rings it went to voicemail…super! I will admit that I started to panic then. Yes, he had the ability to text me, but what if he passed out, what if he couldn’t use his phone because he was in an ambulance. Remember, I’m a woman and my mind goes to the worst, first! I texted him then and said, “Are you OK? Call me please!!? Thankfully he almost immediately returned my text to let me know he was ok and he would call when he could (post paperwork, getting a different truck, etc).  Thanks be to God T was fine.  A small burn on his arm from the airbag deploying and little sore, but other than that just fine, so fine he went right back to work and was actually mad because it took up so much of his day when he had stuff to do!  I would have been so shaken that I would have been home on the couch the rest of the day!

T’s fine and back to normal after a good nights sleep!  The truck, well…it will either be fine after a trip to the local body shop (not our expense thankfully), and we’re all back to regular schedules and lives, but ever since it took place I haven’t been able to stop thinking about how much worse it could have been and to be honest, I can’t think too much about it or I work myself up and end up in tears!  Then, I think about how blessed I am to have him in my life and how grateful I am to God for watching over him!  It also makes me think about everything that I’m grateful in my life and ironically my friend Beth Ann over at It’s Just Life recently wrote a post about gratitude!  (Check hers out HERE!)  So, I’m going to spin off her idea and list 10 things that I’m grateful for!

1. T – I’ve said it before and I’ll preach it till the day I die.  This man is truly my best friend, partner, and soul mate!  I’m so grateful that he was brought into my life.
2. R&M – The opportunity to be these boys’ step-mom is humbling.  I’m so grateful to have gotten to know them and be included in their lives.
3. My 4 Parents – Yup, all 4 of my parents!  I’m grateful that God has taken what could be a “bad” situation (divorce) and blessed me with 2 additional amazing parents.  Each one of them brings something to the table, but I cherish each of them and have learned from them all.
4. Our Home – Yup, it’s materialistic, but it’s true!  I’m grateful that we have a home where there is room for all 4 of us (5 if you include Ms. Nike), we have shelter, comforts of the “extras”, and some place to gather and be a family.
5. My Job – I’ve had lots of jobs in my 34 years, but for right now at this time in my life, this one is perfect for me.  I’m given the freedom to grow and learn, but also don’t have the responsibilities of being “the boss”!  I get time and flexibility to be with my family, but others depend on me!  I’m grateful to have been given the skills to do a job I love so much!
6. The Ability to Run – Sounds crazy, right?  I’m one of those run-aholics!  I love running, I love the way I feel when I run, I love the sense of accomplishment when I’m done, and I am grateful for being given the physical capability to do something that makes me so happy!
7. Friends – I have some awesome friends.  I don’t see the majority of them often.  We go several days, weeks, and even months without talking, but I know who is there for me.  I’m grateful that so many different people have been brought into my life!
8. Iowa – I’m grateful to have been born and raised in Iowa and that this is where we live now.  I can’t imagine living anywhere else!  Iowa has so much to offer and I’m grateful to know this and take advantage of it!
9. Freedom – I’m grateful to live in a county in which I have choices and the freedom to choose.  I’m grateful that I have the freedom to believe what religion I want and I’m grateful for those who fight so we can retain our freedom.
10. Faith – I’m grateful for the faith that I have.  The faith that God is in control and that better things are yet to come and that there is a better place than this Earth!

What are you grateful for?  I’d love to hear!