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Cure My Pity Party Please!

I had two very weepy days at the beginning of the week.  Momma is enduring multiple health difficulties.  Daddy is in the hospital with pneumonia.  The anniversary of my sister's death is fast approaching.  Multiple friends are fighting the same battle my sister lost three years ago.  Our son is on a temporary assignment to a place that's far from friendly to US citizens.  And I was having a full blown pity party.

Yes, all of those things are valid reasons to feel weepy, but I was making them all about me.  I knew it was happening.  I prayed about my attitude.  I even confessed it to my brother when we talked.  But I kept feeling sorry for myself.  I even cried over forgetting to use the baking cups when I made George's breakfast muffins.  Thankfully, they came out of the pan without tearing into a million pieces...unlike me!

I'd like to say I was able to pull myself up by the bootstraps (whatever that means) and get my attitude right, but I wasn't.  I did a lot of praying though.  Crying out as the Scriptures call it.  Jesus heard, pulled me close, and comforted me.  He helped me see beyond my fears.  He helped me see Him.  And He did it through other people.

Momma called and gave me an update on her day.  She talked about praying for Scott.  She and Daddy are praying daily and often while he's away.  A friend who knew nothing of the circumstances reached out.  I was on her mind, and she was praying for me.  These were God touches.

After Momma's call, I was comforted by the love and time my nieces were giving Momma (their grandma).  I was reminded of how thankful I am that Momma and Daddy are surrounded by so many who love them.  I realized I was feeling sorry for myself because I wasn't there. I'd forgotten to be thankful for those who are there.  I hadn't acknowledge the LORD's provision, and I was resentful I wasn't needed.

None of my circumstances have changed, but I've remembered to look for God's goodness and give thanks.  I'm choosing to be thankful.  And I'm not stopping there.  I'm deliberately reaching out and expressing my thanks to those who are making themselves available.  My pity party is over.  I'm counting my blessings.  A garden full of gratitude was planted and is bearing Spirit fruit - peace and joy!

LORD, thank You for hearing my cries.  Thank You for responding with gentleness.  Thank You for sending Your comfort.  Thank You for being with me during the scary stuff.  Thank You for helping me to see Your provision.  Thank You for forgiving my selfishness.  And thank You for a husband and brother who're not afraid of my tears.  I love You, and I'm thankful beyond words that You love me!

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