Sometimes I Forget...

I have so many things in my life to be thankful for... but sometimes I forget to take the time to appreciate that fact. In the daily grind of everyday problems, my blessings seem to get lost in the shuffle. Every once in a while I look up and see those blessings standing at the back of the crowd of problems. Those blessings, although short in stature compared to the seemingly gigantic problems, are jumping up and down and waving their hands enthusiastically, trying to get my attention. Trying to remind me to remember them because... sometimes I forget.

Our kids are growing into beautiful young women but allowing them to find their wings to fly is probably one of the hardest things I've ever done. In the daily problems associated with raising teens and pre-teens, I try to remember that 'this too shall pass'... but sometimes I forget. 

I let the annoyances and frustrations distract me from the fact that yesterday, they were babies. Today they are young adults. Tomorrow they will be leaving the nest to pursue their own goals. Not goals that I have set for them. But... sometimes I forget.

With the stress inherent on being married to a military member with all it's pain of separation and tribulations of bureaucracy and politics I sometimes forget the reason we serve. I sometimes forget that my husband has a calling to serve. It is not just a job. It is part of who he is. It is hard to remember this when he comes home late, misses important family events and leaves me to be a single parent while he goes TDY or is deployed on the other side of the world. When finances are tight and I think about the money he could make at the job he went to school for it's hard to remember that he would not be who he is today working any other job. (I KNOW. He's tried it.) But still... sometimes I forget.

The forest of daily challenges make it difficult to see the beauty and blessing of the single mighty oak. But when the clouds part and a single ray of sunshine shines down on the deep green color of the leaves and the rich brown bark of the trunk, the birds and the squirrels held within it's branches, it is hard to feel weighted down, sad, alone or unblessed. In times like these the problems seem to suspend themselves from importance because... sometimes I forget.

QOTD: "When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself." Tecumseh Shawnee Chief (1768-1813)