When Yesterday Blessings Become Todays Trials

  3 years ago, I hit a deer. We had this very old and craptastic van that I was very happy to get rid of. We literally had issues with said van the entire time we owned it. The whole dash would go out at times. Which meant that not only did I not know how fast I was going but I couldn't see how much fuel I had. How many miles I had gone since getting fuel. I just had to err on the side of caution and get gas often. 

  This was just one of the MANY things wrong with it. So when the deer popped in front of me and I smashed into it I wasn't sad in the least. 

   We searched for a van for months. Finally in March we found one. I thought this was it! God has answered our prayers and this was wonderful. It was nice, had low miles. From an older couple that treated it well. Like new. This was the blessing I was praying for. 

   HA! Right. 2 months later when the weather was much warmer, I was on my way to Iowa City. When I noticed it was shifting very hard. I mean VERY hard. At one point I thought I dropped the transmission.       So I made a call to the transmission specialists. I stopped in and within 15 minutes. Found out that we maybe had 3-5 years till we would need a rebuilt or new transmission. 

  Seriously?!?! Just that fast my shiny new blessing became my trial. I don't want to be the ungrateful one. I don't was to be the entitled one. I am however human. I want to stomp my feet, and scream a little. Why can't I have nice things? Why can't I be the one to get a vehicle that has low miles and runs forever without much issue? Why can't I be the one that catches a break?

   Last year at the end of spring the van wasn't getting very warm. I didn't pay that much attention. Then winter rolled around this year. The heat wasn't working. So we took it to the shop. It was "fixed". $600 later. I am driving home from said shop. The heater still isn't heating. I call the mechanic instantly. He says, bring it back. Self pity creeps in. "Here we go again". 

  Then the voice of reason. Sounds a little bit like my moms southern cousin, Kaye, "GET OVER IT!" It's life! You don't take stalk in the things of this world. 

   The bible says give thanks in everything! We have a vehicle. Or at least family that is willing to loan us vehicles till we get ours dealt with. 

   Here is the reality. Yesterdays blessing was a shiny red van, and an old Buick. Todays trial is my van is at the shop and the old Buick is not just old but also tired and pretty dented. Oh did I mention that John hit a deer with it? 4 days ago. Sigh.....I will give thanks in EVERYTHING! My heart will choose to be thankful.

Christmas Blessing Overflow

  Today we attended our last family Christmas gathering of the year. I was thinking over all of our time with family and friends. I can't help but feel overwhelmingly blessed. I know in my head that not everyone has what I do. 

   What do I have? 

   

  * Godly heritage- I was raised in a Christian home. It wasn't just about going to church on Sundays and making sure we said and did all the right things. (Lets be clear, it did include that but that wasn't the main focus) The main desire my parents heart was to raise children that loved Jesus. That we would know and understand that every decision we made, big or small, has an affect on our life. That it is about having a heart of thankfulness, gratitude, humbleness and honesty. To know that this world is not our home. We are heaven bound and we need to be living our life as such. 

  

  * Big Extended Families- While our families are spread pretty far and wide, I know that no matter what, they are there for us (just as are for them). (Sometimes because of miles or circumstances this is more of an "in spirit or thought" kind of way.) They are happy for us in times of joy (Adding children to our families, marriages, job promotions etc.). They share in our pain in times of grief. (Sickness, relationship trials, losing loved ones) Each family shows that a little differently. Some are more vocal about these things while others are more silent supporters. Nonetheless they each care in their own special way and I know that I can take that for granted. I don't want to do that anymore. I am so happy that I have that support. I know that is rare and should be seen as a huge blessing. 

  

  *Parents- My husband and I both were raised in loving Christian homes. Does this mean that they were perfect? Nope. Does it mean that we were perfect? Close but nope. (Just kidding) All it means is that our parents did their best to show us (by their example) what it means to be a Godly spouse, parent, friend etc. Our parents have both been married only one time. To the person they said they would love and honor till death. John's parents just celebrated 43 years of marriage on December 23rd. My parents celebrated 33 years of marriage this past August 1st. Honestly they both have walked through many trials. They have seen each other at their worst. Been frustrated, and upset. At the end of each day, they take a deep breath and quietly remind themselves that this, their marriages, were a life decision. Thus I know, that no matter what my husband does to irritate me, we both committed (after watching our parents walk it out) to love each other no matter what, till one of us isn't on this earth any longer.       

  *Friends: Now this is a big one for me to. I feel like God has blessed me with an overabundance of friends. (In a good way :) ) Making good true blue friends in this world can be hard. I am SO thankful that I have ladies in my life that I can call true friends. Encouragement, accountability, laughter and so much more. You know who you are. Whether I have know you for years of met you recently. Talk to you daily or have lost touch. I am grateful for you! 

  * Last but certainly not least, The Savior, My Savior, Jesus: The reason I celebrate this season. I am so thankful for the Grace of God. That he so lovingly saw me in my sin and sent a Savior. Jesus you are all I need. I want you to shine through me. To bring light to the lost. Hope to the hopeless. To work your will in and through my life. I am so thankful for all of the blessings in my life (these are obviously just a few), and the reason for this marvelous Season! Happy Birthday Jesus!