Friday, January 9, 2015

Moving Forward with a Thankful Heart

   We do this every year, don't we?  The decorations have been put away, the children have returned to classrooms, and the bitter cold of January forces us to bundle ourselves tightly. The reality of a new year is bearing down upon us ( those pesky resolutions tapping on our shoulders ) ; we can't help but reminisce on the blessings of the past. It's a time to reflect, give acknowledgement, and move forward with a thankful heart. 
   
   I. Am. A. Blessed. Woman. My God has poured blessing after blessing upon my ( naturally highlighted ) head. My thimble runneth over. I look back over the year of 2014 and clearly see the hand of my Savior.
   He personally made himself available to me when our Lexi Girl was born December of 2013, and He never left my side. I felt his presence more than once over the following months of long drives back and forth to Central Texas. He made words readily available, worked within my heart to clear the path for a Love like no other, taught me the true meaning of acceptance. 
   He has been walking with me throughout the entire Rhematoid Arthritis journey that currently has me healthier than I've been in MANY years. This time last year, I wondered if there would ever be a day that my arms and hands would be strong enough to securely hold and cuddle the three that call me 'Nanny'. As of November, we're inches away from driving this crippling disease into remission. Yes, remission. ( http://www.drberkson.com/ ) 
   I've looked into the eyes of my mama and have seen what true Love looks like when it lives within you. The Love she has for my aging daddy is the Love I am blessed with as well. My Sweet Man (MSM ... does that exist in the FB/Snapchat/Instagram world of reality?) has been by my side each step of the way. He has driven countless hours on often treacherous roads to provide for us; he has rescued me during the wee hours of the morning when I've been physically unable to take care of myself; most recently, he wrapped me in a smile of encouraging pride when I dusted off my paintbrushes. 

   MSM ... right there. That's the blessing of my lifetime. Thank you, Lord. Bring on the New Year!