Blessed

To many people it may not appear that I am blessed. Afterall, we live off very little income, we drive old, beat up cars and live in an apartment. Throw my family into the mix and I'm sure people (especially non-christians) wonder how it is that I can say I am blessed. To be honest, there are days when I forget how truly blessed I am.

Today is not one of those days.

My whole life, even during my difficult childhood, God has been watching out for me -- guiding my path. Society says I should be a druggie with 12 kids who all have different fathers -- based on my upbringing. And but for the grace of God, there go I.

I've had people put in my life who taught me things my parents couldn't -- like scripture, a love of reading, the importance of education, etc... I've had people who had confidence in me when I didn't. Not that confidence should come from oneself, but you know what I mean.

I've been given opportunities that have offered me education, provision and mentors. I've had friends who have stood by me in tough times.

Those friends are so dear to me. For some reason they see something worthwhile in me. I am not bashing myself at all. I just know me. I know I am not the best friend and I know I foul up often. They love me anyway. That's baffling to me. Truly baffling. That is, unless I look at it as a demonstration of Christ's love for me -- another thing of which I am undeserving.

So yes, I drive an ugly, beat up car and I wear out-of date fashions and my childhood stunk, but I AM blessed -- blessed beyond measure.