In a rut? Be thankful!

Sometimes I can find myself in a rut, for no particular reason. I become complacent to all the blessings and good God has placed in my life. Thankfully, when I find myself in that place, God almost always has a way of waking me up to the beauty that He has surrounded me with on a daily basis.

I didn't realize I was in this rut until I recently became very aware of those blessings. Sure, life has it's ups and downs and things do not go always go perfectly...ok, they rarely go perfectly. But, I do try to maintain a positive attitude and reflect on the good. Because really, even on my worst days, I'm so very blessed!!

I am so grateful for the wonderful people God has placed in my life. There was a time, in the fairly recent past if I'm being honest, that I struggled with loneliness. I had people in my life who were "friends", but only if it was convenient or beneficial to them. Thankfully, this brought me to my knees in prayer and I realized pretty quickly that in order to have friends, the kind I was longing for, I needed to be that friend to others. That has been my goal ever since, to love like He loves, in my friendships. I am by no means the perfect friend, but God has blessed me with precious, precious relationships that I cherish.

I am so grateful for my family. And that I'm able to live close to my parents and grandparents and watch my kids grow a beautiful relationship with all of them. There were times during my high school years that my mom and I did not see eye to eye on things. And honestly, we both wondered if our relationship would ever be repaired enough to call each other friend?! But God is so faithful and He restored our relationship ten fold and now I can proudly call my mom one of my best friends!

I am so grateful for my husband. Sure, we have our ups and downs, like any married couple does, but there is no one better suited for me than him. God so knew what He was doing when He put the two of us together!! And I couldn't be more thankful for him; for the love he has for me; for the love he has for our family; for the way he provides for our family; for his faithfulness. So many things, I could go on and on. But you get the picture. :)

I am so grateful for my kids and that I'm able to stay home with them! I realize this isn't the most popular decision in our society, to be a homemaker, but it is exactly what God has made me to do. Sure, we have rough days and Mommy needs a break! But who doesn't have those days?! These days are fleeting and I am so very grateful that I'm able to spend these precious years with my children!!

So, reflecting on all the blessings in my life is a great way to stay out of a rut and grateful for all that's in my life. I would encourage you to give it a try, too. You might be surprised at how much good you find. :)

Until next time,
Kristal