Welcome to a new series I’m starting today. Over the next several weeks, I’ll be sharing some of the things I’m most grateful for in my life. I was inspired by the link-up Grateful Heart at Ember Grey. Emily has challenged me to start each week off with a grateful heart, and I’m so happy you’ve decided to join me. 
This week I am grateful for the gift of family and friends. God never meant for us to go through life alone, and I feel so blessed for the family and friends He’s given me to spend my days with. Unfortunately, I’ve not always seen His blessings so clearly.
When I was growing up we used to have big family functions with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even great-grandparents, but as time went on and I grew older those times together became fewer and fewer. In fact, after all of my grandparents passed away, extended family functions became non-existent. The logical solution was for me and my husband to start a family of our own and establish new family traditions, but after years of attempting to get pregnant we realized it may not be the easy solution we once thought it would be. We longed for a family of our own, but it just wasn’t happening for us.
I found myself feeling lost and alone, so I did the only thing I knew to do. I prayed. I asked God to give me time to enjoy and spend with my immediate family, and I asked God to send us friends to fill the void we felt in our lives. I asked Him to help us to look to our church family, friends and neighbors as our extended family and trust Him for our every need.
It’s amazing how God really shows Himself to us during the hard times of our lives, isn’t it? He opened my eyes to the blessings He had already provided in my life, gave me more time to spend with my family , and He blessed us by bringing new friends into our lives. He also gave me a hunger to deepen my relationship with Him since He can fill any void left in our lives. I am so thankful for all His provision!
I celebrated my birthday last week with my family, friends and loved ones. I am grateful for a sunny day at the pool with my beautiful mom and nieces, a lunch spent with family, a day trip to the vineyards planned by a thoughtful friend, rides on the bike trail and shopping with my hubby and BFF, several attempts by friends to arrange a lunch/dinner for me (I’m so sorry I was busy and they failed!), neighbors we now claim as family, an upcoming trip this week to spend time with cherished friends, and the birthday wishes from many family members, new and old friends and our church family. I am so grateful and blessed indeed!
So, tell me, what are you grateful for this week?
Shared with: Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party, Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop, Something to Talk About Link Party, Merry Monday Link Party, What’d You Do This Weekend, Made By You Monday
I too have struggled (still struggle?) with infertility and so often we look at what we don’t have when it comes to infertility rather than what we do have. I love your perspective in this post- I am so blessed with extended family, a loving husband and caring friends, yet I spend so much time mourning the children I don’t have. Thanks for the reality check.
I also just want to give you a big hug, because infertility is a bit rough sometimes and sometimes it is so hard to look at the things we do have 😉 xx
Thanks so much for the kind words! Every birthday I’m reminded that I’m getting older and our chances of having a child of our own are getting smaller, so I’m very grateful for your big hug today, and grateful that I’ve discovered your beautiful blog. Have a blessed week! 🙂
I love how God answers our prayers in ways we weren’t expecting. God is so great!! I’m glad to hear you had a great birthday and also happy belated birthday!!
Thank you so much! God is great, isn’t He? Have a wonderful week, and thanks for stopping by today!
Bless you, Christie! I love how God brings us comfort through other people, family and friends and sometimes even strangers. I’m so sorry you’re walking the road of infertility – I understand and know the pain. Keep praying. God knows your heart, your desires. His plan for you is so, so good.
Happy belated birthday to you 🙂
Thanks so much, Emily. I’m so happy to have discovered your blog and link up. I pray you have a blessed week!
A very sweet post Christie! I hope that you had a wonderful birthday!
Thanks for sharing with me at Something to Talk About!
Karen
Thanks, Karen. I did have an excellent birthday, even though my life seems to fly by the older I get…LOL. It’s always fun partying with you at Something to Talk About. Have a fabulous weekend!
Your honesty is inspiring. Thank you for sharing this! Thanks for linking up to the Blogger Brags link party. I have pinned your post to the Blogger Brags pinterest board.
I’m grateful today that work is going crazy, because at least I’m supporting my family! Thank you for sharing this with us at Merry Monday, we are live again so please come over and link up!
Thanks so much for hosting Merry Monday!! Have a great week!
I am grateful to have met you and can call you my friend. You are so kind hearted and generous. I will continue to pray for you and your hubby that you can see a miracle happen soon!
Thank you for being an amazing person and friend!
Thanks so much, Jess. I do feel blessed to have you as a friend, and I appreciate your prayers more than you know!