I Am Blessed

I've said it before, and I'll say it again and again. In today's world of change and uncertain futures, I feel very fortunate. I do think that I am in the minority~anyone who is reading this and has been married and are still happy is considered to be in that minority. When Todd and I got married 12 and a half years ago {13 on October 4th}, we were told by the pastor, and I use that term lightly, that we would never make it.

It's kinda funny me making that statement because today when I opened up my devotion, the main verse of the day was John 10:10 which says, " The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give a rich and satisfying life." Today's devo was titled "Ignoring The Hope Stealers". The story was along the same lines as mine~a girl graduated from college after being told in junior high that she would never make it because of low standardized test scores. Have you ever had a hope stealer?

Why do people say things like that? Of course you know that when someone says you'll never do something, or you'll never stay together, it instantly becomes a challenge, a competition to beat those odds. I don't understand why people say these kinds of things...even if you're thinking them, don't speak them out loud. I just want to shake them and say, "Didn't your mama teach you any better?!"

So yes, in light of those ill~spoken words, and in light of marriages crumbling all around me, I feel blessed. Marriage is not all sweet and sappy. It takes some serious work. Especially when you throw kids into the mix. It takes both partners giving 100% all the time.

I guess I'm writing all this because I have a dear friend who is on my mind today. She never expected to have a failed marriage, she married her best friend from childhood, for crying out loud. She is facing the end of that marriage today. It will be legally over in just a short while. She's still stunned {even though it may have been years in coming}, she's left with a 3 year old child, and she's having to start all over. So she's been on my mind. I've been praying for her all morning, just a quiet, "God give her strength for this moment. Even though weeping may last through tonight, give her that peace knowing that joy will come in the morning" kind of prayer.

Once again, I definitely do not deserve His blessings, but He has definitely blessed me. I am so rich in His love. And I wouldn't have it any other way.