Thankful

God has been really reminding me of how blessed I am lately.  Its not that our income has gone up drastically because it hasn't but because he is teaching me that He is enough. (he spoke this to me through a 10th grade boy).   Its not that my children are perfect models of obedience because they are not but because He is teaching me that if we were perfect we would't need a perfect God. (he showed me this through a friend who has also adopted and gone through some of the same struggles we are currently walking through).  Its not that my home is clean and smelling fresh because that won't happen until Baby Boy moves out but because we are learning that hospitality means welcoming people in at all times despite the condition of your home. (a pastor of a church I don't belong too reminded me of that as he spoke to my students). Its not that my running times or distances have improved because  now thats its cold I'm finding that I have to push myself extra hard to get out of this cozy bed at 5:30 every morning but I have been reminded several times that I have a healthy body that I should be eternally grateful for. (i am constantly reminded of this as I read through my Facebook page and see people asking for prayer for cancer that has come back again or for their body to heal from an awful car accident).  Its not that my children are bringing home straight A's because they are not but because God has reminded this stubborn heart over and over again to remind my children that their worth and value is only found in Hiim, not in their grades, athletic abilities or other achievements.  Its not that my job has become any easier or that my schedules has been completely freed of any extra things but because God gave me this verse in Hebrews 12 " No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Its not that my children are sleeping through the night because as we speak my smallest is cuddled up between my legs with 3 blankets and telling me that he needs to play a racing game on my iPad. But God gently reminds me to cuddle with him while I still can.