Another year has passed and it is now three years post-divorce. And I am grateful...so very grateful. You see, God has blessed me many times over -- even through the struggles. So, for those of you who are going through difficult times, let me give you a little encouragement today.
Three years ago, I was broke. At the end of a pay period, I was lucky if I had $5.00 in my checking account; and that, while working three jobs. Today, I am, in fact, still broke; insolvent. The difference being is that I have been given a second chance by God and the court system. Yesterday, I went from a Chapter 13 to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. What that means in laymen's terms is that I can now move forward with my life. The only debt I have are my student loans and car. A giant weight has been lifted from my shoulders. All the debt that was left after a bad marriage has now been resolved. Was it easy? No! It was in fact, one of the hardest and darkest periods of my life. But it is over. I am putting a period and moving on. So, if you are going through a period of financial darkness, know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. God is using this in some way; making you stronger, more courageous, helping you think out of the box, or some other way that we cannot even imagine. The truth is, this is his will for you in Christ Jesus and He has a plan and purpose. Be patient. Something good will happen...trust me...I've been there!
I am thankful for the people God put into my life post-divorce. I am still friends with most of them and if they are no longer here, it is because they have in one way or another, served a very important purpose or given me a life lesson. I am grateful for those who were gracious enough to give of their time and energy during a dark period in my life. They were and continue to be blessings. I am incredibly thankful for a church family that continues to love me and for co-workers that have held my hand every step of the way. I am grateful for random folks I met in the strangest places, who continue to serve as mighty forces of encouragement and who have taught me to always be grateful and have faith. In EVERY circumstance.
I am thankful for my children and grandchildren. If not for them, I'm not sure I would have survived the aftermath of my divorce. There were many times that I suffered complete hopelessness, especially for the first year after my divorce; living far away from family and close friends, being on my own for the very first time in my life and barely making enough money to survive. I am grateful for my four children because they are truly the gifts and blessings that came forth from my marriage. I am grateful for them because even now, they are beautiful adults with lives of their own. Yes, I may miss them but I helped give them the tools they needed to be productive and happy adults.
I am thankful to God for giving me strength, courage, passion for others and the wherewithal to make the best of a terrible situation. He helped me through the most difficult period of my life and I believe that although life is not perfect, He gives us everything we need to endure. Whether it is friends, family, a church home or a Bible, it is all there for us. We just have to be ready to receive those blessings and look for them. I must confess, there were days I didn't see them until a friend told me I needed to open my eyes and look for something wonderful. And yes, there is always something crazy amazing in every.single.day. Open your eyes. Look for the blessings! You WILL receive them.
Thursday is Thanksgiving. This week I will spend time with friends and family. I am blessed beyond measure. No, I don't live in a mansion or drive a fancy car. I have a roof over my head, food on the table, a job I love and people in my life who fill my heart to overflowing with incredible love. I will never take anything for granted...ever! Everyday is a gift from God. It's not cliche; it's the truth. So I ask of you these things as you enter into a spirit of being grateful; See the good in others. Help those less fortunate. Reach out to those who are struggling. You may be the only encouragement they have in their lives. Smile. Be positive. Seek out like-minded people. Grow. Dream. Follow your heart. Not just for one day but everyday. Oh, and yes...have a Happy Thanksgiving!
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