A week of Thankgiving...Day 1

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalm 106:1)

At the end of the day, when my kids are in bed and my house is quiet I can look at my life and feel incredibly blessed. I have two beautiful and healthy children. They are sweet and curious and funny. Sometimes I find being their mommy hard, but I can't imagine my life without them. They bring me so much joy.

I am lucky enough to be married to my best friend. I trust him completely. I never doubt his love or commitment to me or our family. He is a good provider and a man of faith. He makes me laugh, he encourages me, he's my rock.

We live in a part of the state where housing prices are ridiculous....1/2 million gets you a nice starter home...and yet, we are lucky enough to have our own home. It's by no means a dream house, but it's ours and I think it's beautiful.

I don't have to worry about how I will pay for groceries or put gas in my car. I can turn the heat up if it feels chilly. We have plenty of clothes. My kids have lots of toys. I can buy Christmas presents without worrying about how I will pay other bills.

Compared to many people in this country and certainly is this world, my life is so good. But like I said, I tend to only be able to see this at the end of the day. During the day, in the midst of all the chaos, poopy diapers, laundry and talking back I rarely feel thankful. If I'm honest, I have to admit that the way I feel is exactly the opposite of thankfulness...I feel discontent. I throw my arms in the air and scream (in my head, not out loud) "IS THIS REALLY MY LIFE?" Can it be that the smart, funny and pretty girl that I once was has become this crabby, tired woman wearing sweats?

I don't want to be like that. So small and so selfish. How come it's so hard to see the big picture in the light of day?