The Wealth of a Life Rich With Blessings

Holy moly it has been forever since I have sat down to write, and thanks to a little birdy currently in South Korea, I was reminded of my blog-neglect.  It bums me out that I have gotten so caught up in being "busy" that I have failed to keep up with my blog, but better late than never. 

Last night I was reminded without blessed I really am.  For the last two days I was welcomed home by my hubby with dinner either prepared or started.  Now, this may be the norm for others, but my dinner making, laundry doing husband is a total babe.  That little saying on pinterest that says those moments you catch your husband doing housework are the most attractive- Ya, it's true.  :)  Beyond even those few examples, I really do wake up each day and find another reason I love him.  I am so thankful that I was granted someone that I can laugh with and find joy in life with.  My whole life I wondered what this portion of my life would look like and on most days it looks like a small house in North Dakota that lacks storage space and therefore has an abundance of disorganization, two big beasts of dogs that like to cuddle, a loving husband that makes me laugh, a classroom where I get to pursue my passion while learning as I teach each day, and usually a few jam sessions to my favorite songs on the radio each day I head to work.  

Blessings are everywhere in our lives but often we are so distorted by negatives and stress in our daily life that we get sucked into feeling like we are missing something.  My entire life has painted this beautiful present that I get to call home.  The word home is an interesting word to me lately.  After packing up and moving far from what had been "home" for so long, I wondered what North Dakota would be for me.  We spent hours discussing our plans for the future and created timelines.  I look at those conversations now and I smile because deadlines, timelines, and to-do lists have always been my defense mechanism for fear.  Exhibit A.) My high school planners always had each line in them filled out.  It did not matter if I had homework.  I reminded myself of what I had already completed to prove to myself that I did everything I needed to do.  The same goes for my college planner.  The trend continues and each day on my desk I have about 5 post-it notes reminding me about things that I more than likely would never forget, but just in case.  Fear of failing or losing control of the circus act I call life scares me.  Those times where I do get to drop those plates, fail to keep on ball bouncing, or forget a responsibility are a constant reminder to me that the blessings I have present in my life are enough to keep my life moving and a smile on my face.  The blessings that surround me each day are my foundation and as I age I have realized that location does not determine where your home is.  Home is where you feel blessed.  Home is where you feel whole and passionately satisfied with the world you have around you.  I am home.  

This weekend has been such a reminder of the friendships that bless my life.  Before, during, and after the move one thing made me very nervous.  Making friends as a woman can be difficult.  I was afraid I wouldn't find people that I felt comfortable around.  Once again, God works in mysterious ways.  I have found friends that I have so much in common with.  I made friends with people my age and older than I am.  The lesson I have learned is that friendships look very different as an adult than they did while I was still in school.  Last night I got to meet up with a friend and act silly and laugh a lot.  We have had similar loss in our lives and I find comfort in knowing that there is someone else, very much like myself, that has learned that finding strength in difficult situations is far better than allowing yourself to suffer.  She has a personality that is vibrant and doesn't take life to seriously.  After all, her and I both understand that no one makes it out alive anyways.  This morning and afternoon I got to spend time with another friend and then this evening met up with another.  I was constantly being reminded that I have met such neat people on this journey and time spent in North Dakota.  I have found people to love and build friendships with.  Each day, each step of this journey, my life gets richer.  Out of anything, I am blessed to say that I have a rich life full of family and friends.  Each tear that I have cried, all of the loss, and the heartbreaks have given me the opportunity to find appreciation in each smile, each friend that I have gained, and the flutters and songs my heart sings in response to all of the love I have in my life.  

I am a lucky, and very blessed girl.  

May God bless you with the ability to see the blessings surrounding you. 
Oh, and find time to smile.