Something Beautiful

I was on my way to the school where I student teach at on Monday morning and I was listening to my radio. A song came on and I don't know what it was called or who it was sung by but it really struck me. Some of the lyrics were "a kiss where there's no shame," "a child on her wedding day," "and the daddy that gives her away, something beautiful." And I realized that it is so easy to be grumpy and out of sorts on Mondays. After all that is the day that is doomed from the start right? So then I began thinking of the the something beautiful's in my life.
1. I have a husband who, despite my quirky habits and annoying traits, loves me unconditionally and makes a point of showing and telling me every day.

2. I have a family filled with love! My parents have done everything in their power to love us and get us started on the right foot. They are such a great example of God's love in my life.

3. My sisters...I have realized that they are my closest friends and three of the most beautiful women that God has created. Their talents and personalities are all SO different but so amazingly wonderful. They are each an inspiration to me. Michelle is so strong. She could conquer anything. Tara is so inspiring to me because she is so brave. She just goes out and does what she wants. Move to Boston? No biggie, Tara does it! Jessie is so funny and so strong in her beliefs. There is not gray in Jessie's mind, everything falls into the black or white category.

4. All of my aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents are also amazingly wonderful. Sometimes our family can feel overwhelming because of how many of us there are, but they are each so loving and caring.

5. My in-laws. Many people wouldn't put this on their list of Something Beautiful's, but my husband's family really is. They all take care of each other no matter the cost. Especially his grandma Caroline who is the matriarch of the family. She is one who is stubborn to a fault, but her generousity outweighs any other trait. She is in the last stages of her emphasema and this is something that has been dreadfully hard to watch. She most likely won't survive her next cold/flu. I love her and I pray over her that God will bless her last days and take her to be with Him as easily as possible when the time comes.

6. My puppies. This is also one of those things that most people wouldn't put on their list. But I feel that God made them for our enjoyment and I do enjoy them. They make me laugh when I am totally stressed out.

7. My church family. My church is the most fabulous church ever. They have never been anything more than welcoming, loving, accepting, and encouraging to me and my family. They are a blessing from God.

These are my Something Beautiful's. I will probably add more later as I think of them.