My shoes are absolutely AMAZING;)

Ever hear someone say, "Oh, I wouldn't want to be in their shoes!"  I am sure I've said it before and I am even more sure that people have said it themselves and even about my family.  But, I have to beg to differ.  It's all about perspective:)  Yes, to look at my life five, maybe four, years ago, you would of thought we "had it made".  Life was "good" financially.  Business was good and we were  your all-American family:)  We STILL are that all-American family but our lives have changed quite a bit.  Financially, our lives our a mess.  Business wise, it's almost flatlined.  But, with all of that, I must say our lives have become enriched beyond belief.  We have had to learn to live on  Faith.  We have had to learn to let our egos go and depend on those around us.  We have had to give up being the giver in a financial way and rely on being a giver through prayer, hard work, and love. 

Is that really all so bad?  The more I think about it and the more I become accustomed to what life is now, it is harder for me to want go back five years.  It makes me want to go forward with this new perspective and continue to have my faith enriched daily.  My faith was truly tested this week. What started out as a week from  HELL turned out to be one filled with many rich blessings.   I had to let God in.  Not all the decisons I made were easy by any means, but I had to suck it up and ask for help.  I had to rely on prayer, faith and those around me (My brothers/sisters in Christ) to help me.  So, I already know people wouldn't want to be in the shoes I wear but why not.?  Wearing these shoes, I have been given the opportunity to see God daily.  I have been given the opportunity to trust at a deeper level.  I am not saying my life is all cupcakes and flowers but it's more genuine. It's for real.  Take me as I am.  I am a mother of six who drives a barely running car, whose husband has to drive for days on end to provide for his family.  I am tired.  I am my own worst enemy.  I am a fighter. I am a lover. I am driven.  I want what is best for my family and I think I may be on the verge of finding it.  Even in my darkest hours, I truly believe God put us in this situation because he believes we can handle it.  We are trying to be an example.  Don't get me wrong there are days jealously creeps in or even pity but really is it worth it? No, it's not.  My kids may have a different life now but I think it's such a better one.  Thankfully, we've moved away from the "Keeping up with the Joneses'" type mentality that so many around us have and have let things go.  So what if we don't have the finest dinners or the coolest vacations or the newest clothes or the newest car.  None of that matters!!!  This week God blessed us in so many ways!! My biggest highlight had to be the school carnival and all the kiddoes who were just amazed at all the excitement and fun.  The smiling faces were definitely my reward!!!  The carnival rocked!!! So, as I recover today from all the excitement and aches to the ol' body, I had these thoughts come to mind.  I will still have my struggles but when I look at the truth I know, My shoes are undoubtedly, AMAZING!!!


An Irish Prayer
May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
...And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer