Having a grateful moment...

I'm just sitting here realizing how much I have and how ungrateful I can be. I'm working really hard on changing my perspective on things and finding a blessing in every aspect of my life, even when something can be difficult. For example, last Saturday we had one of those days when we seemed to be out of everything in the house so we went to Wal-Mart, Costco and the grocery store. By the time it was all said and done we had spent A LOT more money than I would have liked and I was so bugged. But as I'm sitting here I realize that at least we had the money to get what we needed: a HUGE blessing that I know not everybody has.

2nd example: I was putting away dishes last night and grumbling to myself about how my cupboards are too small and I don't have enough room for anything. This means that, #1 I have cupboards which means I have a home so that in and of itself is an incredible gift, and #2 I have food and dishes filling all my cupboards and I really am not left wanting for anything. What a petty thing to be upset about.

3rd example: Ben just started another long 8-game homestand so we won't be seeing much of him this next week. We love our husband/dad so it is sad when he's not around. But he's not off in Iraq or some scary place risking his life for months or years at a time, he gets to come home and sleep at night. And he's off working, providing an income and allowing me to stay home with our angel. Especially in this time of economic hardship I am so grateful for this blessing.

Finally, as I have been playing with Kiara this week I have been thinking so much about her birthmom and wondering how she's doing. Kiara's 2nd birthday is coming up and while I'm busy planning a party and thinking about what kind of cake to make, she is half-way across the country alone, wondering what her daughter's voice sounds like or how tall she is. Words will never express the gratitude I feel for this young lady and the sacrifice she made almost 2 years ago and continues to make every day. I know Kiara is our daughter and was meant to be in our family but that doesn't mean her Bmom hurts any less or that it is any easier for her. Our life is so complete and happy because of her and I have more gratitude for her than I ever knew possible. I also know I appreciate my daughter more than I would have had pregnancy and motherhood come easily and I am so grateful for that perspective.

I think it is so easy to become accustomed to life as it is and take for granted all that we are lacking but I hope we can all, at least from time to time, realize how much our lives are blessed every day. And go hug your family...that's what I'm going to do!