Joy and Thankfulness

I spent the better part of an hour reading a blog today I had never seen before. A woman was describing her pregnancy, the expectation of their fourth child, a girl. At 20 weeks, she had an ultrasound, and she and her husband were told their baby would probably never live, because of some serious birth defects. For 16 weeks she carried that information, along with her precious child growing in her belly, accompanying a deepening of her walk with the Lord that just astounded me. She delivered by C-section a 3 1/2 pound beautiful baby girl, who was with them on this earth for 2 1/2 hours. My heart could take no more.

I have read other stories lately, on blogs, in e-mails from friends. I have heard about this person in this situation, and that person in another...

After I read that blog this morning, I turned off my computer, went sobbling and sniffling into the living room where my precious miracle of life sat watching The Little Einsteins. I grabbed him up and squeezed him tight and held him and rocked him and just told him over and over how much I loved him, and how thankful I was for him. I must have kissed him 100 times. I just did NOT want to let go! He was like, "Awww....I love you too Mommy. Can I watch TV now?" (Well, he is only 3!)

I was just struck with so many emotions! Pure, unadulterated joy in my child. Heart-striken grief for dear friends and family who are suffering their own kinds of losses right now, who have unanswered questions, who live moment by moment not sure what the next day will bring. Shame at how much I complain about the things in life that some would be grateful for, because it would mean they were alive. How did I get to be so fortunate in life? Why did God decide to bless ME with such an awesome task as raising this amazing child? With everything going on with my health, how is it that I was able to have a perfectly healthy child? Only by the grace of God, my friends.

My husband has a stable, steady job. Thank you LORD for that blessing. Other than my health, I couldn't ask for better life! Look at the people in Haiti! Look at the children, right here in America, that go without food or clothing, or warm coats because of poverty.

None of us our guaranteed tomorrow. My dear friend Joanna and I were talking about loving people where they are RIGHT NOW...Look around you. Please don't miss an opportunity to tell someone you love them. Tell them you appreciate them. Are thankful for them. Look at people in the eye when you pass them on the street. SMILE at them. You may never know what one kindness from a stranger could do to a person who is going through a horrible time.

Please don't pass up precious moments for things that WILL NOT MATTER a week from now. Scoop up your children...kiss them. Cuddle up to your spouse, or your children, or your pet... Show someone love TODAY. And PLEASE don't take them for granted. We may never know when they will be called home.