Counting HIDDEN Blessings

I am joining Aurie at Our Good Life this week in her Counting HIDDEN Blessings linkup because I have really been meditating on the blessings in my life lately. I have many.

For the past year or so I have been involved in a financial dispute. It's bitter and unfortunate. It is an ongoing situation that is likely to continue for quite some time. I could certainly get bogged down with the stress of it. And, I'll be honest, at times I let it get the best of me. But through the clouds of the situation my blessings always come shining through ... always.

The kids and I have the undying support of my husband and family. It doesn't matter to me what the opposing side thinks about us because my family knows the truth and they support us in it every day. And for that I am grateful. I know that the kids will never do without, even if I am personally unable to provide at times, because Rick and my parents would never let that happen. We all do everything we can for them all the time, putting them first.

My relationships with the kids have never been stronger. We have gone through some difficult times, but we have come through the dark valley and are now on the other side. I am blessed to have all of the kids here under one roof every night. It is chaotic at times, and it is impossible to have a house full of so many different personalities without some occasional conflict, but I wouldn't trade this season of my life for anything. It will be over all too soon. They will be adults and on their own with their own lives and families. But, for now, they are still my children who still need their mama and I am happy to oblige.

I see Kyndal maturing into the young woman I have prayed for years she would be. When you are in the midst of those stinky teenage years, it's difficult to imagine your children as fully functioning adults. Kyndal has proven to me that: "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it" ~ Proverbs 22:6. It's true. She had to be away for awhile. But, she is back and I see such a bright future for her. She is drawing closer to God, looking to Him for her needs, and seeking Him for her future. Sure, she still has a lot of growing up to do and lessons to learn, but she is on the right track and, for that, I am immensely grateful.

God is in complete control and He will provide for us at all times and in all ways. Regardless of the end result of this dispute, God's Will is what we want and He will rule supreme. I approach this battle with only a sling and a stone because God will, ultimately, win the battle. His strength in my weakness will allow me to give all glory to Him for whatever outcome. His Will be done, not mine. And He will be the One to take care of the kids, both physically and emotionally.

The kids are learning how to live under a budget. Because, let me tell you, we have a tight one. But that's not all bad. They are seeing that even though you desperately want something (like a new stove that has all burners that work), and sometimes even need it (like central heat and air that are both caput), you cannot have it unless you can pay for it. If you have a certain budget for food every two weeks, you eat within that budget. You don't grab a pizza because it sounds good. You don't eat out for lunch when all of your friends are doing it. When you are running out of gas and don't have any money to fill up, you stay home. You don't buy things you can't afford, you don't spend money you don't have. You think about your upcoming expenses and you plan for them. And you put the needs above the wants. I'm thankful that we are all in a situation where we have to abide by these rules. These are life lessons that will benefit us all forever and we will be better people because of it.

There are many blessings to be had in any difficult situation. Sometimes you just have to look for them. They are hiding and waiting to be found. Seek out your blessings. They are there. And they are wonderful!

Go visit Aurie to be encouraged!