How good do I have it?

Seriously. I mean, life has had its sucky moments. Mama is gone. I had to watch her die. My family gets stressed out and sometimes we take it out on each other. I get zits on unconventional days. I wake up with puffy eyes threatening mutiny. My tears flow more easily than other peoples', I've noticed. Ugh.
I'm a messy person, and often forget things that are important, that I want SO hard to remember.
My stomach and intestines are some real jerks. I can't sit in a quiet room without worrying about blubbering an embarrassing noise from my midsection. And oh, does it hurt. It's so uncomfortable.

But really.

I have a FATHER up in Heaven, and right here, who loves me and cherishes me like no one else ever will in a gazillion years. He sees my thoughts and my heart and my desires, my needs, but

he
doesn't
see
my
sin.

Because he loved me so much that he didn't want to see my sin anymore, didn't want that barrier to stay in place, didn't want to have to fight to shower his love on me. So he sent his son, who sacrificed his very life to save mine. I get to spend forever with my Creator.

And if that alone wasn't enough, I am blessed. Abundantly.
Not only do I have shoes on my feet and clothes to wear and heat to keep me warm and a car that runs,
I have a job that pays my rent/gas/food every month, with a bit to spare.
I have a family whom I ADORE like I never thought I would. I have an incredible sister who is mature beyond her years and is my best friend forever, no matter how much we're out of tune with each others lives sometimes.
I had two, and now I am blessed with three little brothers who are all unique, smart, talented! energetic, and sweet. Without them, I'd be depressed. They enliven me.
I have a best friend who takes the extra time in her day to come and pray with me, even though we both are still fighting to figure out exactly who we are in Christ, and what our futures hold.
I have grandparents who have been steadfast and strong beacons for me, even when they were both weaker than they'd ever imagined possible. My needs, to them, are of the utmost importance. I want to live that way, serving others.
I have two bewilderingly amazing surrogate families, and therefore extra siblings and mommies and daddies who love me like their own.
I have an incredible boyfriend who is quietly, but persistently, helping me toward who I am in Jesus, and is always putting Him first even when I don't like it much. Who holds my hand even when we're grumpy with each other and encourages me when I feel overwhelmed.

What more could I possibly ask for?


That's only the proverbial "tip of the iceberg."

I have it real good.

I can never wake up and forget these things.


count your blessings today.