Take today for example. Robert is traveling back from a mission trip to Haiti. He's had terrible traveling experiences this trip, and today has probably been one of the worst travel days he's had. But he's spent a week building a house for a Haitian family that lost theirs in the earthquake on January 12, 2010. I can't imagine the loss and devastation he's seen this week, or that the people of Haiti have experienced over the last 19 months. So, all in all, a bad day traveling back to a blessed life in DFW isn't the worst thing you could experience. And I know once Robert lands the travel nightmare will be over and he'll remember the beauty of Haiti and the warmth and love of the people there.
Then there's Justin. Sweet Justin spent 16 days apart from our family training for and living out a mission trip in a tiny town on the Adriatic Sea in Italy, Giovinazzo. These people aren't poor and devastated like the Haitians, but are still in need of help in many ways. The worst part for Justin? Having his brand new phone (that he bought with his own money with his upgrade in June) pick pocketed on a subway in Rome on the last day of his trip. I have to say though, Justin had a great attitude about it all.
Though I personally did not go to a foreign country on a mission trip, I've been profoundly touched by the images and stories of these trips Robert and Justin experienced. We have 5 healthy children, a beautiful home, plenty of food in the pantry and fridge, great jobs, the ability to take a vacation, and the ability to praise the Lord whenever and wherever we choose. God is truly wonderful.
I'm also reminded of friends who are going through tough times right now. I have a friend going through a divorce and getting zero help from her husband to support their children. I have my friend's daughter, Mallorie, who is fighting for her life with lymphoma. I have my friend's daughter (and Ally's friend) Presley who has been fighting leukemia for over 2 years. I see people all around me struggling with various challenges in their lives and all I can think of is how much I have to thank God for every day.
Six years ago, in the summer of 2005, I lost both of my parents. My mom passed away of cancer on July 9. My father passed away on September 5. It was a dark dark time in my life for sure, but I clung to God and my faith and kept walking. One foot in front of the other...one hour at a time...one day at a time. In the past six years I see all the amazing things my parents did for me as a child growing up and the lessons I learned from them and through their parenting. It wasn't all perfect and rosy, but it shaped me to become the wife and mother I am today.
Life is short, God is good, I am blessed.
Matthew 5: 3-12
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
