I am blessed

Although this Saturday is my birthday, I almost invited you to my "pity" party, rather than my birthday party.
Now, doesn't that sound fun? ;)

We had it all planned ... the girls would be staying with their uncle and aunt overnight tonight and my husband would take me out to dinner and then have a rare night of having the house to ourselves. Then we'd get the girls on Saturday- my actual birthday- and just have a nice relaxed time of cake, pizza and a few gifts.

But alas, my husband has to do inventory both today and in the morning...and on top of that, he has been sick all week with what's probably bronchitis.
He won't go to the doctor until inventory is over...and in the meantime, he is a coughing machine...not exactly a prime candidate for a romantic evening alone.

And now the girls are sneezing and coughing a little. Sigh...

When I first got up this morning, I felt a little discouraged.
And it doesn't help, I know, that my hormones are in overdrive this week...

Or that I am not excited about my new number. How in the world did I get to be this old, anyway...?

But when I was sitting with my girls on the sofa, where we usually start our day by praying together, I told them let's just talk to Jesus and tell him our feelings and then give everything to Him.
And so we did.

Amazing how God can grant peace when we seek Him in the midst of circumstances not going our way!

Oh, I know...you might be saying that these are not big problems at all. And you'd be right, compared to so many people who are dealing with real issues.

But God still understands even when we're simply feeling discouraged and a little sad. He wants us to come to Him in those times, and be real with Him.
And it's then when He gently puts things into perspective.

As my girls lovingly cuddled with me and we all purposely thought of happy, cheery thoughts for the morning, we began to start realizing all the things we had to be thankful for.

And suddenly it became so clear.
I felt so thankful for the love of my children...my husband...my family. They are the best earthly gifts I could ever hope to have...

And most of all, grateful that I have an understanding Heavenly Father that loves me...all the time.

So now, as I write this, I'm still uncertain of the weekend plans. (Although my sister in law graciously just e-mailed me to ask if she could host a small gathering at her house for me tomorrow night...so sweet!)

But I honestly feel like all of my well being doesn't hinge on whether my birthday goes perfectly as planned now.

Because I got a reality check... I'm SO BLESSED!!!