So many times in life, day to day, I find myself wishing I could paint my house to my liking, plant flowers, have more clothes, get a haircut, eat chocolate and still look like I did pre-pregnancy. I find myself lax in doing laundry, yardwork, and dishes. And then someone shows up in my life and I see my life for what it really is. A blessing given to me by God. I have a husband who loves me more than anything. I have an incredible daughter who I dote on all day long as I watch her grow and learn and explore. I have an incredibly affectionate and obedient dog. I have not just a roof over my head, but a wonderful house that I love, with running water, heat and air, a pantry stuffed with food. I have everything I have ever needed and so much more. So so much more. How dare I want for anything when there are people out there who literally have nothing? Whose families disown them when they make choices they don’t like. Who live in war-torn countries. Whose homes and even loved ones are obliterated in natural disasters. Who don’t have the freedom to worship God. Or to vote. Or to have a small business. Who are truly alone.

Most people have never experienced any of this. We sit in our houses, don’t watch the news, and pretend none of this is happening. So I’m asking you, if you are still reading this post, if you take nothing else from this, please be thankful for all those things that you take for granted. Give praise for what you have been given. And if you are able, use a little of that tax return to give to someone who needs so much more than you. There are so many things you can do, I’m just asking you to put out a little effort and try.

I don’t often get up on my podium and rant, though I do often want to. So I apologize if I caught you off guard.

Happy Tuesday!

Meredith