Thankful Tuesday

In light of yesterday's sermon, I am going to list some things I am thankful for but not things I thought were good at the time. Practicing my radical gratitude.

1. I am thankful for the loss of my mom because without having been through that I wouldn't have the much closer relationship I now have with my sister and my daddy. 
2. I am thankful for my time as a single mom because it makes me appreciate the help that I have even more. Not only do my children have me, but they have their dad, still very present in their lives, a bonus mom and a bonus dad. It also gives me more appreciation for the single moms who do that for years. 
3. I am thankful for the experience of Stephen being in the hospital. I never would have thought I would be thankful for this so soon, but I can see the change in him that time made. He needed that inpatient stay to manage things. 
4. I am thankful for the miscarriage I suffered before having children because it really made me appreciate the pregnancies and babies that I had. I also know that little baby is in heaven with Jesus and my mommy and someday I will meet him or her and hold them in my arms. 
5. I am thankful for my move here to Boise. Having never lived farther then a few miles from my parents, this was difficult for me. Having to go through the things I did without my family right here was hard, but the family I have gained here, through my church and my work are amazing. When bad things happen, I know I have family, even if they are the kind I chose! 

What about you? What is something that you give thanks for now that was difficult at the time it was happening?