A Cheeseburger in Paradise

You know, so often it is really easy to complain about things in our lives instead of being grateful. I realized recently that I complain about so many things that really aren't worth the effort. It is amazing how a reality check can change your perspective. Take the poor people who have lost all that they own to Hurricane Katrina. It would be so easy for me to get irritable about having to pay over $3/gal for gasoline, but then I remember that I didn't have to sleep and go to the bathroom for days on a highway overpass with people dying around me. I have a home, a car, loved ones, and food and clothing in excess. And all of these things I have in amounts that are far beyond my needs. I am truly blessed. "But by the grace of God there go I" is a phrase I think we would all do well to remember.

I was hit by a realization this past week and weekend. Alex and I really live in paradise. The funny thing is that when you live in a place you tend to take all that it is and that it offers for granted. For a long time things were very busy and difficult because we had not had a chance to make any real connections with friends in our area. But you know, sometimes it doesn't happen when you expect it. God knows what is in your best interests. But in the last few months we have made some amazing friends in our church and really are feeling the blessings that having companions in the journey provides.

The thing that really hit me last night was at about 9pm Alex got a call from our pastor and friend, Matt. He and his wife had been trying to set up their surround sound system and were asking Alex for some advice. After a brief attempt to help over the phone, they invited us over to the house on the spur of the moment to set it up. So we both went over and while Alex helped Matt, I got to chat with Amy. They have a little girl, too, and she is so cute. We got to peek in on her while she was sleeping. It is amazing how perfect children look when they are asleep. :-) Then once they got the sound system up and running they invited us to stay and watch "Sahara" with them. It was just so refreshing to have spur of the moment fun.

Well, also, just want to let our friends out of state know that we miss them very much. Hopefully we will see each other again soon.

Now remember, Enjoy the day, and be thankfull for what you have.