Struggles.

Everybody has them. The problem with some people and society in general is that people think their problems are bigger than everyone else's problems. People have become very selfish.They think about all the things they need, want and deserve. When something doesn't go their way they think poor me and have a big pity party. Entitlement and self pity are two of my least favorite things. Of course I am guilty of both of these at times....everyone is.  But, most of the time I try to put things in perspective. 

I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet. ~ Anonymous

We all have struggles, but should remember that there is always something to be grateful for. Someone, usually a lot of people, have it way worse.

Money has been tight. If you have noticed, we have been in a drought. People aren't buying or selling mowers. I am so thankful that I have a husband who is willing to find new ways to provide for us. My car needs lots of work. I don't want to spend money on it because we are broke right now, but I am thankful that I have a husband that can fix anything. It saves us tons of money on labor. I am buried in medical bills right now. You know what I am thankful for? I am thankful that my kids' illnesses were treatable and that we have doctors to take them to when they are sick. My grandparents have been ill a lot this year. You know what I am grateful for?  Every single day I have with them. This list could go on and on and on. I am so incredibly blessed and so thankful for everyone and everything God has give me.

I have had a rough week. Luke is in Colorado. I have been going non-stop with the kids. I am exhausted. It seems like everything that can go wrong is going wrong. And, to top it off I have had a couple people be unkind to me. Next time you get mad at someone or what to be rude to someone stop and think about what they might be going through. Your comments or behavior might just be the straw to break the camels back. My neighbor called me Monday morning and threatened to shoot our dog. Instead of calling to tell me that my dog was at their house, she called to threaten me.  This was after I received a very hurtful email. It set me off. I am not proud of my response. I hung up on her.  But, I assure you that response was better than the alternative. She also complained that my dogs bark too much. I live in the country. They live about 1/2 a mile down the road.  They have roosters. Their roosters crow at the butt crack of dawn.  Funny right?  I have never once complained to them about their roosters. But, she wanted to call and complain about my dogs? Tator only barks when someone is here and Tilly has only ever barked at a turtle and an armadillo. They do bark when the kids ride their bikes, which isn't very often since we are never home. Tator is our guard dog. He lets us know when someone is here and he is extremely protective of the girls. We wanted him just for this reason. Luke is gone a lot which leaves me home alone with 3 kids. She and her husband are retired. Not once did she think about what I might be going through. What kind of day or week I might have had. Her phone call sent me over the edge. I screamed, cussed and cried....and then prayed for forgiveness. My response was not what it should have been. I should be thankful for my hateful neighbor. It means I have a home.  Seriously, I want to have a grateful heart and I want my words to be kind.

I have had so many people judge me, criticize me and hurt me in the past. I have always tried to please everyone. It has really hurt myself self esteem. I am extremely hard on myself. 

Well, those days are over. I am working on handing my worry over to God and I am giving up on pleasing anyone but him and my immediate family.  

I am the luckiest woman in the world! 

I am toying with the idea of making the blog private. I post a lot about the kids on here and just want to protect their privacy. I have no idea who reads this regularly. If you are interested in staying in touch email me at cryshamilton@gmail.com or leave a comment.