Profoundly Grateful

I read the book "A Thousand Splendid Suns" on the recommendation of my friend, Michelle B and my cousin, Lyndi. I got done and felt a little changed and ...profoundly grateful.

Then last night at work we started talking movies which somehow led to the movie "Boy in Striped Pajamas" which led to the Holocaust which led to a horrible/ true story of how a Cambodian girl escaped death. (I'll tell you if you ask me.) As I drove home from work in the dark I felt... profoundly grateful.
I've been thinking about it all day long and I have to try to put it into words...Not that I will be able to do it justice but...

First, being born in the USA; millions/billions of people just unlucky enough to be born into a different country. Countries where my very existence as a female would be enough to bring my demise. Countries where I may not get to choose who, when, why I'd marry. Countries where I would live in constant fear, for my own life, health and (worse yet) constantly fear for those I love. I could spend all night just on this alone.

Second I was born to parents who wanted and deeply love me. Wait... back up, I was born to parents (plural). My parents never raised a hand to me, seldom even raised a voice (that my own kids should be so lucky.) They raised me to believe that I could be and do anything I wanted. Raised me to believe I am smart, beautiful, talented, wonderful, funny... It's hard to doubt yourself when surrounded at every turn with such love and faith.

Speaking of faith... To be born into a home where I learned of a loving Father in Heaven. Taught that I am a daughter of God. That mistakes are made and recovered from, hurts healed, broken hearts mended with the help of a loving Savior. Taught to pattern my life after great men and women who are full of integrity, honor, courage, compassion, and faith. Taught that there is life after this. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity I have had to consistently learn things that bring me closer to my husband, family, God, and the person I want to be.

And that's just being born... The safety and peace I enjoyed growing up cannot be taken for granted.

The opportunity I had to go to college and choose for myself what I wanted to be and who I wanted to marry. Both great choices.

Matt. A good man. A responsible man. Hard working and smart. Funny and athletic. Spiritual and strong. Handsome and forgiving. A fantastic dad.

Our kids. All healthy and fun and easy to conceive (I had to throw that in... I feel grateful all the time for that.) Grace, McCade, Bella, and Riggins. Each individuals and blessings to me.

My family. My mom is wonderful. She comes to my rescue and never criticizes me. Always loves me and buys me things I wouldn't buy myself. She helps me start and finish projects. She stays with the kids so Matt and I can have time. She's happy and full of faith. My two younger sisters.

Matt's family. I love them like my own.

My friends. I have the very best friends.
A girl could not dream of better friends.

My job.
Matt's job.
A beautiful house and three car garage.
My shoes.
A queen sized bed and down comforter.
My mini van.
A garage. (I thought it worth mentioning twice.)
My new facial cleanser from Arbonne.
My hobbies.
My Ipod.
My new red laptop.
I could go on indefinitely.

I should never have a sad or discouraged thought with a life as rich and full as mine. But I'm even grateful for the gray days. They make the sunshine that much more glorious.

I am blessed.

I am profoundly grateful.