It’s nearly Christmas and I always appreciate how this time of year seems to make all of us just a bit more cognizant of our blessings.  I love to look back over the year and reflect on all we have achieved and experienced over the past 365 days.  I relish the rewards of our hard work, thank God for the struggles that only brought our family closer together and made us stronger than before, and I always pause in awe of all the blessings I have to be grateful for.

I’ve always been the type who never feels worthy enough of such gifts from God.  Every year my life seems to get better and better….and I have to ask God, “Why me?”  I just don’t understand what I have ever done to deserve such immeasurable good fortune.

Anytime something goes wrong in my life…anytime we hit a rough patch in the road or things feel like they are falling apart….those are the times I seem to understand the most.  I never question “why me” during the difficult times.  It always seems crystal clear as to why I need to struggle….what I’ve done wrong to deserve such strife.

But the good times….the gifts like my amazing husband, wonderful children, loving parents, and true friends….those are the blessings that I just can’t wrap my brain around. Why do I get to experience such overwhelming joy?

Why am I so blessed to have found my soul mate when there are so many other lonely people in this world?

Why do I get to watch my children grow into amazing young men and women when there are parents every day that have to watch their children suffer and die from illness?

Why am I given the gift of good health when so many other much more deserving people out there do not have the same blessings?

So as I ponder the last year of my life….as I reflect upon my numerous blessings….I am brought to my knees in gracious thanksgiving for all that God has brought to my world….both the good and the bad!

I pray as well that this holiday season finds you all happy, healthy, and full of God’s grace.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all!