So Many Blessings

Undeserving, and humbled, this Christmas season ... how can we be so blessed? So thankful; yet my heart hurts for those with less.

This week I am thankful for:

Being able to come home to a warm house, when many in the world do not even have a home, but wander the cold, empty streets.

The warmth from our wood stove in the family room downstairs ... so many are cold, without heat, huddled together for warmth.

Having my husband waiting for me at home after a long shopping trip ... so many have lost those dearest to them, missing their husbands (or wives) this Christmas.

A night at the movies, after fast food at Culver's, then shopping, with my husband ... many in the world cannot afford to eat out, or shop, or go to the movies, and especially be able to do all three in the same evening.

Not being limited while grocery shopping, but purchasing all that I need for basic meals, plus for holiday baking ... many go hungry everyday, without even a bite to eat.

Purchasing gifts for each of our nine grandchildren in the past few weeks ... multitudes of children go without any gifts this year, and even without the basic needs of socks, shoes, and coats.

Being blessed with six children, and now four sons-in-law, and nine grandchildren ... while there are many, many couples who would give anything to have just one child of their own.

Putting up our Christmas tree yesterday (photo above), and anticipating wrapping gifts soon ... many will have no tree, and no gifts this Christmas season.

Having multiple copies of God's Word in our house ... when there are many who long to hold a Bible in their hands, to have a copy of their own.

Being able to share our burdens and cares with our loving God ... so many are without hope, and do not know of God's great love for them.

Thank You, Lord ... and give me more of Your heart for those suffering in poverty, in need of the basic things of life that we often take for granted.

(One Thousand Gifts #102-111)