What I take for granted (or words unspoken)

Which is a lot actually.

I feel there is a lot we take for granted especially myself. It is too easy to get caught up in our own lives and everything going on around us. I have so much to be thankful for. I don’t think I could appreciate them enough. This is an attempt at saying a few words in hopes to acknowledge some of these things taken for granted.

First I want to say that all of this is made possible by God(that sounds like an infomercial; You to can receive Christianity today just pay shipping and handling!). Honestly though. God gave everything I have. I take for granted the friends and family that he has given me. The ability to live in a country where I can openly live out my faith. Yet I don’t take advantage of that like I should. I skip out on taking time to read my bible and build a relationship with Jesus. When there are people across the world being beaten for that very thing. God we are too comfortable. I pray that you remove the padding.

Lets get started….

Family
My family has been through a lot in the past year and a half. My mom and dad especially have been through a lot the past couple years. My mom lost both of her parents and my dad lost his father. On top of all this we struggled though my fathers motorcycle accident. If that wasn’t reality check enough that I need to appreciate more I don’t know what is. This past year has been one of the most trying times of my life. A long year of working through my fathers recovery. A man who was given 5% chance of survival, walking, talking, and getting back to himself (which means many mischievous things when we aren’t looking).

My mother has had to deal with all of this emotionally as well as financially. That whole accident tested and stretched our faith as a family. My mother was the strongest of us all. My mother is one of the funniest people I know. She can be very odd at times(like referring to usb on a computer as “chicken feet”). For the few of you who know the DISC personality profile system, my mother is the S influence in my life. I am nothing compared to this women. My mom is always helping someone which is usually me! I love her very much

My brother, first of all people. He does not look like me. I just don’t understand how you could come to that conclusion. Chad was quick to react in the accident. He started taking care of the bike and trailer and such. He is the one who actually pulled the doctor aside and got the actual chance of survival. He has been great older brother. We have never entirely gotten along until recently, when we lived together we got on each others nerves quite often. It’s funny because one of the things was stealing each others cd’s or games or whatever, which we now do openly. He refers to me as his tech support when he has electronic issues. Ashley his wife has also been a great member of our family. They have recently had their first child Grace. She has to be tough to be married to my brother! He is a tough old cookie (that’s right I called you old). He has dealt with more than I even know. He has a strong character. I respect/love him very much.

My sister, my real blood related sister that does exist. She has not lived near us since I was in middle school. I honestly will say that I did not really get to know her as an adult until the past two years. My sister lives in texas but makes the effort to call and talk to us as much as she can. She has a good heart. I know this has all been hard on her. Living so far away, unable be with my dad as much as she wanted. She has tried to help in all the ways that she can. I wish she did live closer so that we could get to know each other better. I love her.

Dad, where do I begin. It has been a rough year as he has been getting back on his feet (literally). I have gotten to hang out with him almost every day this past year. Some days are rough. We have many good days though. I have spent much time hanging out these past months. Fishing, golfing, and watching a lot of movies. I honestly don’t know where the man gets his energy. For someone who almost died, I can’t keep up with the man. He is a very strong man. He doesn’t understand no and stop. But he has a large heart. Living with him humbles me. I can’t thank God enough for him. He spent much time before the accident trying to teach me life lessons he has had to learn the hard way. I regret not listening as well as I should have. It is funny because this was one of the first things that crossed my mind the night of the accident. I swore at him. I told him that he wasn’t finished, there was more I needed to learn. Thank you Jesus for letting him continue to teach me. I love him very much.

That is enough for now.

Too be continued.

p.s. What do you take for granted?