I am blessed...

"Thank God if you have dirty dishes...

...it means you have food to eat"

I have read this sign just about every day this week as I pass by a local church.  It reminded me that I truly am blessed.  I may complain about the dirty dishes...but I do have food to eat; the laundry that never ends...but I do have clothes to wear; the rising gas prices...but I do have a car that works and gets me where I need to be; the constant back and forth driving to the high school...but my oldest bresboy made his high school baseball team and has had practice every day of spring break; the long nights at the ice rink...but my youngest bresboy is playing a sport he absolutely loves; the need to pay bills...but I have a roof over my head, heat that warms us on cold days & nights, and indoor plumbing that comes in handy!  All in all, I am truly blessed and fortunate. 

When I think about so many families hit by disaster in recent months--whether it be the tsunami in Japan or the homeless family who's house was foreclosed upon--I am stopped in my tracks from complaining.  When I learn of friends and students who discover they have a terrible illness, and yet they power forward with a positive attitude, I am humbled.  When I see a family stand strong in the face of death, I am saddened for their loss, but amazed by their strength.

Every day I am continually surprised by the courage and strength of those around me.  We are very fortunate, and while we don't often see our lives in this mirror, it only takes a moment to be reminded that we are all truly blessed.