Even Though...

This is an excerpt from an email I received. Well stated, I thought. Even though I frequently complain, I am just as often aware of and grateful for my blessings:

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, Lord , that I can see. Many are blind.

Even tho ugh I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud. Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced. Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest. Thank you, Lord, for life.

And some of my own:

Even though I frequently wish out loud for just one morning when I can get ready without Andrew crying with his face pressed against the shower glass, or hanging on my legs as I apply make up, or repeatedly flushing the toilet...and even though I get so tired of Jacob's complaining about brushing his teeth and getting dressed in the morning, Thank you, Lord, for these beautiful and healthy children. There are many who are childless.

Even though I sometimes get angry that Greg works long hours and isn't here to help me, Thank you, Lord for a loving and supportive husband. There are many who have no spouse at all, or are in bad relationships.

Even though I complain about the shape of my body, Thank you, Lord for my health and well being. There are many who are sick and handicapped.

Even though I despise grocery shopping, especially alone with the baby in the rain, thank you, Lord, for enough money to put food on our table. Especially right now, in dire economic times, there are many who are using a food bank or going hungry.

And thank you Lord, for the struggles you have helped me through. They have made me stronger, more understanding of others, and more aware of your presence and guidance in my life.