Relationships

Is it just me, or is it human nature?

Why does it sometimes take something bad to happen to make me take stock of the many blessings in my life?

I really try to be grateful for the blessings in my life every day. But I admit, sometimes I get bogged down with my ‘troubles’ and focus only on the bad things.

When I hear about some incredibly painful relationship problems that happen to those I know, my heart goes out to them. My prayers go out to them. And then I take stock of the wonderful...absolutely wonderful...relationships that I have in my life.

My husband: really, there isn’t a more caring, thoughtful man out there that I know of. Sure, we may all give him crap because of his endless pursuit to make us laugh,but a more loyal, kind man you can’t find anywhere. I think it has been his example (by how he treats me) that has taught Lindsay and Brian what to seek in a loving relationship.

My kids: I thank God for my relationship with them every day. There are so many people out there that aren’t on speaking terms with their kids. There are so many people out there that really don’t enjoy spending time with their kids. I cherish every moment I have with them and every email or little text I get from them. They’re both really good people. I’m so incredibly proud of both of them. What I love is that they are so very different from each other, yet they are both such independent, mature, creative, loving adults.

My parents: Wow. What inspirations they are to me! They live every day to the fullest. I know so many people their age (and younger) that just take the easy way out and sit around every day. My parents travel all over the place and when they are home, they volunteer at the mayo clinic and their church, they take lengthy daily walks, play golf, stay active in quilting and various other hobbies. And to top it off they still love me and treat me like I’m the most special person on earth.

My friends: This is another one of those instances, that it took something to slap me up-side the head before I appreciated my true friends. My definition of a true friend: someone that will stand by you through anything, not judge you for stupid things you may say or do, will give you space if space is what you need yet wait patiently for you to come back when you are ready, they always have your back and would never put you down in order to lift themselves up. I am blessed by my true friends.

My God: I can’t talk about my relationships without mentioning Him. We’ve got a good God. Even though we may stray He is always there for us. Always. Always.

My relationships are the most important things in my life. I am truly thankful for them.

I’m not going to wait anymore to be ‘slapped up-side the head’ by hearing of other's relationship struggles before I take time to appreciate the many wonderful people in my life.

I am blessed. No doubt about it.