Thankful!

I haven't written in a couple days, mostly because I don't really have anything of interest to say. I know, the thought of me not having anything to say is amazing to some people, especially those who know me well.

I have been following several blogs of late, especially since starting my own. Each one helps me learn something just by reading about the things other are experiencing and by reading what God is teaching them. I have so much to be thankful for! I want to think on that and write about those things today.

I have a loving husband who cares far more about me than I can every understand - and for him I am thankful! I have a wonderful son. I could go on and on about Austin and how thankful I am to have him in my life. My days are brighter with his smile in it. I am so thankful for his thirst for knowledge. I love to listen to him sing Bible songs. I love to listen to him pray, even at his young age. I love how he loves to laugh. So many things that I would have never experienced if it wasn't for the miracle of adoption. I am thankful for adoption. It is truly a wonderful journey, even through the rough parts. I am thankful for the opportunity to walk this road a second time waiting for our next blessing. I am thankful for my family, all of who support us wholeheartedly in our journey through the adoption process and life.

I am thankful so much for old and new friends. I have learned so much from my friends. I think in particular of one friend who lost a baby a few months ago - she has taught me so much through her blog about her walk through the dark valley. Her testimony has touched me. And even through her grief, she has taken the time to comfort me when I have been sad.

I have another friend who is adopting, and she just found out who her forever children will be! I am excited to watch this process in the lives of others. I have other friends who are in the process of adopting abroad. I love their stories too. All the stories involve God working wonders in their lives. How can you not stop and be thankful!

Many, many other friends walk with me through good times and rough times. They let me talk when I am sad, give me words of encouragement, smile when I smile. Thank the Lord for these friends, even though most of them are spread throughout this country and even the world!

It is amazing to stop and think how blessed we really are. I have a wonderful family, a stable job, a warm home, loving family and friends, most importantly a God who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and present with me at all times!

I was thinking back over the last few years. How hard would life be without having the knowledge that God orders our steps? If just left to chance, I think this world would be a very scary place. I think of the verse in the Psalms that says "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand." Wow! Wonderful promise.

I was thinking along these lines yesterday, worrying about when our foster license would be changed and when our next baby would come home. But it doesn't matter. God has all of this in His hand. He knows exactly what is going on. He knows when things will get done and when our baby will come home. That really is comforting if you take the time to reflect on it.

I think sometimes my glass half-empty nature gets the best of me. I look at all of the overwhelming possibilities and worry, worry, worry. I don't have to. I just need to take the time to reflect on what I HAVE - right now - and be thankful! And then I just need to rest in God knowing that He will not withhold good things from those who wait on Him.