Being Thankful!

Today has been a great day. I took jakey to the mall to play with his cousin at the indoor playground and he had a blast. He got to meet lots of new kids and see all kinds of new people. I just wish all the other kids didn't have to touch all the stuff he's on too, but I know that's just my anxiety talking. One of the little girls there grabbed one of the cleaning wipes they provide and was wiping it all over her face and hands and body and then asked me if I wanted her to clean my stroller with it! I politely said no thanks honey, and so she proceeded to set it on the handle by my coffee cup and said she would leave it there for later. This almost sent me into a panic. My sweet sister-in-law just laughed at me. I really enjoyed the time there though, and I am prompted to write about being thankful. So often I get caught up in being bitter and resentful about the fact that I live 3000 miles away from my family and how I never get to see them, and how jakey doesn't get to see them, but I do get to talk to them anytime on my phone and send pictures to them by internet. I should be thankful that I can do those things, even though I would much rather be able to do see and talk to them in person. I should be thankful that I live close to my in-laws and that without my sister-in-law, I don't know what i would do. She is more than that, she is a good friend. She helped me plan my wedding, she threw me a baby shower, and she watches jakey whenever I need a hand, and is always there when I need a shoulder or ear. I should be thankful that I have a husband who loves the Lord and works very very hard every day (even when he's not feeling good!) so that I can raise our son at home and he never ever complains about it. He's amazing. I should be thankful that I have a roof over our heads, and food to make for dinner every night. I should be thankful that God is in control of this world and that even though we have a new President that I didn't vote for and don't agree with on many issues, I will pray for him, and his family, and his heart for wisdom. I am thankful that I serve a God who is bigger, stronger, wiser, and more loving than anyone else in this universe and nothing can thwart His plan. Our President (and ANY president or person of authority past or present or future) was selected by God for a reason and is in office for a reason and while I don't know or understand or agree with His decisions, they are just that....His decisions and they are perfect and right and for a divine purpose. I'm not saying that means everything Obama does is right or acceptable, I'm saying God knows his heart and my job is to do what is right to the best of my ability and be THANKFUL that God is ALWAYS, even when it doesn't appear so - in complete control. I am thankful. Thankful for my God, thankful for my family, thankful for my extended family and thankful for the internet too. Thank God Al Gore invented the internet.
I'd also like to give a shout out of thanks to my sweet and wonderful mom...the ORIGINAL Southern Barbie in more ways than one! She ALWAYS taught us to do what is right, even when it's hard and we don't want to and to love the Lord. She is a wonderful mom and I hope she is proud of the woman and mom I have become and continue to grow as. I love you mom!
Have a great Friday!!!

S.B.