Bed of Roses

"3 Hard Eucharisteos"
I've been anticipating today's topic for a while, and not in a good way. I don't want to search for and write about things that are hard to be thankful for! I don't want to be thankful for them! But days like today are the reason for this "Joy Dare" aren't they? When there are things, or circumstances in my life in which I can only see the negative, or days when I can't find joy, I'm supposed to search for it, there is always something to be thankful for, always. Well with that in mind, here goes...


1.) My sister and her family (along with sweet baby Jack) living in Ft. Wayne. I know it's only two hours away, but when I'd like to stop by on my way home from work, it feels like twenty! But there is so much joy that I can find in this situation, Tyler has a good job, they have found an incredible church family, they are surrounded by great neighbors and play-mates for Jack, the cost of living is lower, and I could go on. I also need to focus on the fact that they are ONLY two hours away instead of twenty, I can visit on the weekends, or even make a day trip. And with technology these days, I can see Erin and baby Jack anytime I want! So much to be thankful for here!

2.) Living at home (sorry mom and dad :). There have been times when I've all but gone out and signed a lease, when frustrated with my current living situation, it's not always a bed of roses. But when I'm choosing to focus on my blessings, and on Gods plan and purpose for my life, the joy overflows! I have next to no bills, I have access to a full fridge, I get to see my parents before I leave for work and when I get home, I'm here to hang with and encourage my brother, when Erin comes to visit we are all under one roof, and not to mention, I get to cuddle with Maggie whenever I want! :) There have been so many occasions in which God has shown me why I'm here right now, He's got me right where He wants me!

3.) The fact that I'm not married right now. This is a tough one, something at times I never thought I'd thank God for. But that light at the end of the tunnel, it's glowing! When I was in the throws of sadness and confusion, so many people told me, "God has a plan" "there's another man out there for you" "better now than later" but I couldn't, and didn't want to believe any of it! But in His perfect timing, God has brought me to a place of complete peace and rest in His plan, He has given me a glimpse at the tapestry He's weaving, and it's beautiful! He has taught, and is continuing to teach me, so many valuable lessons, and Has drawn me so close to Him, that I wonder if I would've gotten here had He not taken me through this trial. I wouldn't have asked for it, and I certainly don't wanna do it again, but I also don't want to go back to the person I was before it happened. God has grown me up in Him and for that I am so thankful! No thanks to me or anything I've done, I can have joy in the midst of and in spite of whatever circumstances He brings, He has truly turned my mourning into dancing.