life

There is a blog I read occasionally.  I think I read it just to annoy myself.  I mean, it has great pictures, which I love.  I am always amazed by great photography.  I wish I was a good photographer.  I think I have an eye for it... just not the patience.  Anyhoo, I read it and it annoys me.  Maybe because it is all happiness and joy.  It appears that her life is all fairy dust and beautiful days chilling at the beach.  I mean, I realize that she probably only posts the good stuff... but every day?  Perfect days with perfect children and baking and smiling and greatness.  I realize she is only putting out good... and I guess I can't blame her for it.  It's just annoying.

Maybe its because I wish my life was a little more like that.  You know, sunshine and beautiful beach days, and laughter and joy.  I wish I could just be home and be creative and have perfection everywhere I look.

But I don't.

Today I am in the office.  It is going to be a sunny, beautiful 65 degrees today.  I am in my windowless office... which is made even worse by the fact that none of the windows in this part of the building open, so its just old, stagnant air.

Yet, the sun IS shining and the day WILL be beautiful. 

I have a GREAT job that is a PERFECT fit for me.

I have AMAZING friends and SUPPORTIVE, LOVING parents.

I have a warm house to live in and CRAZY but WONDERFUL dogs to keep me company.

I live in a place that has four DRAMATIC seasons (sometimes in the same day).

I also have a "second home" in a place that is PEACEFUL and CHALLENGING.

I get to travel to AMAZING places and I know INSPIRING people.

I laugh a LOT and have people who challenge me to THINK and LIVE bigger.

I am blessed beyond measure.

I am loved.

Yesterday, after reading this person's perfect life blog I was driving home and saw this....

Maybe my sunsets these days have a bit of construction in the view... but they are perfect none the less.

I think I will always want MORE.  That's really the nature of life right? To always want more than what you have.  Yet, I am really trying more and more to appreciate what I have right now.  TO really remember that I am blessed in what I have and be content with the blessings that surround me.

I think a lot about Japan these days... and Haiti... and New Zealand, as they suffer so many tragedies.  Here I am, with my daily struggles... which seem so insignificant in comparison.  But God is using them to change and challenge and grow me.  I am blessed.  I need to stop, look at the sunset, and appreciate life more.

I am blessed.  My life isn't all fairy dust and perfect days... but it is perfect for ME.