Blessings to Count

3 of my most favorite Blessings

When one goes through a major life change and the routines of life have been mixed up, flip- flopped and sometimes become unrecognizable there is a wonderful thing that occurs to bring us back to earth.  It is what happens when we count our blessings and not dwell on what we don't have.  Sometimes the very things we lack, brings us to a broader understanding of those things and talents that we DO possess thereby allowing us to open our eyes to what is in front of us and with us in our lives.

When my husband and I recently moved out of state as "Empty Nestor's", this concept of recognizing our Blessings became very apparent as we have been meeting new neighbors, friends and favorite folks that help in the community (I found a new hairstylist that I trust, every woman knows the importance of that) When you first meet someone, usually they start with your employment status and then also ask about family.  We have 3 wonderful sons that live in separate very exciting locations, although they all live quite far from us. No grandchildren yet.  I am frequently asked that question. I don't mind that question, but I sometimes I am a tad envious of the joys that I hear about grandchildren.  Perhaps someday for us, perhaps not. What I focus on now is the beautiful blessings and joys I share with both my immediate family, extended family and my friends. The fact that my boys live so far away is distressing and I really miss them, but the silver lining is the fact that we have really fun places to go visit: Sunny San Diego, Breathtaking Alaska landscapes and the anchor of Americana culture: Dallas Texas. (I might add that Dallas has some of the best BBQ around!) We have had the wonderful fortune of visiting all of these locales and always look forward to seeing our boys again and "seeing the sights".

So another topic that comes up when you first meet people, is "Oh...so what do you do?" Or sometimes people just assume that since my husband retired, I am retired. Not the case. I believe my husband is enjoying his retirement so far, and we have had so many adventures together...and the Good Lord willing, many more.  Yet, it is frustrating sometimes for me because I am not ready to "retire".  I worked part-time for years and can now focus on my writing more. That is a good feeling. I recently accepted a part-time writing position so I hope I can do that and keep blogging.  Time will tell. But in the vein of this particular blog, I do count my blessings that I am able to continue with my writing, blogging and photography. When we first moved, we had a terrible time getting our internet to work, how can I be a blogger without internet!! GHEEZ and #!*?!*#*#!: HOLY COW...don't even get me started on that.  That is a whole other topic for a different day.  Nevertheless, we got it fixed (knock on wood). So again, I count my Blessings and I truly appreciate my Husband's patience and wisdom with computer troubles.  He frequently declares the adage of a wise man; "Happy Wife, Happy Life."

I also have had some frustration finding a writing group that is a good match.  There are as many different types of groups as there are writing styles. **Sigh** Time will tell, but again I count my blessings because I am afforded the opportunity to learn more about my new community. Again count those blessings.

Another blessing about our new community that really makes us feel truly blessed, is we found a new church to call our new church home. We really feel welcome there and it has been a wonderful way to learn about the community, worship and meet new folks who are rapidly becoming our church family. Again, count those blessings.

I have heard that if you have trouble sleeping...instead of counting sheep, count your blessings and you'll soon go fast asleep.  So what are the blessings in your life? Do Tell...Trust me it feels good to count them.