Blessings...the good, bad & ugly!

Do you ever give much though to Gods handy work?  Ever spend much time giving Him thanks for all the good stuff?  How about this one, do you ever give thanks to Him for all the times things haven't worked out (the way you wanted?), for the change of course, for the disappointments.  Are blessings only those things that make us feel warm and fuzzy?  Or can they be disguised as something ugly?  (ie: a tricky parent/child relationship, job loss, financial difficulties...ect.)

Over the years I have really found myself pondering the idea of Blessings.  I've been quick to be thankful for all the good stuff, family - the ones i enjoyed, friends, health, home, you know the everyday "Thank you God for all that you have blessed me with" sort of thankfulness.  But as time would have it (and perhaps too much time to contemplate) I've also been giving thanks to Him for the times things haven't gone my way.  Even as an adult one of the toughest things to hear is "No".  But as a faithful adult I've come to realize that my Fathers "No" is simply because He has a better plan.  Oh, and I need to trust in it!

Okay, now have you ever felt blessed yourself from anothers blessing?  You know, how sometimes just by knowing someone, knowing their dreams, fears, anxieties, hopes, they bless your own life.  In taking the time to develop friendships, sow the seeds that God has planted, you can truly reap a bountiful harvest of blessings.

My mom has blessed me in many many ways.  Many of the ways were quite obvious to those who knew us, knew her and even those who just observed.  Some of those blessings were tough to identify at times but with time and prayer became defined.  Bottom line, Mom blessed my life more than I ever would've given her credit for while she was with us.  Someday I'll tell her so accompanied by a hug.

My dad also has blessed my life.  I believe many of the obvious blessings came early on for me.  Mostly in my childhood and in the manner in which I remember him- jovial, ornery, my biggest fan, a softy.  Then came some of those undesirable blessings if you will.  Adultery.  Lies.  Abandonment.  Life lessons no one ever wants to learn.  My dad defined for me, clarified for me the kind of man I would hope to have in my life one day.  I very clearly recognized my blessing when he came back into my life. 

And then there are those friendships that have filled up all those years growing up.  The preschool friends, elementary, jr, hi, high school, college, those who came and went while trudging through the 20's and 30's and at last those who low and behold suck around and waltzed in just as life is getting good.  I find myself reflective and thankful as we experience life with one another.  Happy when they're happy.  Joyful when they rejoice.  Mournful when sorrow strikes.  And probably the best feeling of all....calm, just knowing they're in my life. 

I turn 46 in just under a month.  And I can say with out a doubt I have truly been blessed.  I will celebrate my 1st birthday ever without my mom.  The blessing....she's with her parents and PAIN FREE!  It's been 2+ years since i've talked to my dad or seen him.  The blessing in that....God hasn't hardened my heart.  I remember good times, miss those, and am sadden by the parting of ways.  But feel stronger than I can ever remember feeling.  I love him, miss the guy I knew and wish him well.  We're gonna get our house!  Only God knows when exactly but He orchestrated a series of events that has allowed both us and the seller to breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that this is His will.....what a blessing. 

I challenge you to not just go through this life thanking God only for those obvious blessings.  But open yourself up to Him completely.  Let Him open your eyes, ears and heart.  Be accepting of all that He has in store for your Journey at all times giving Him the glory.  Be open to the storm for it too is a blessing from above.

Oh, and just so you know, YOU too are a blessing.
~ God bless...