Giving Thanks - It's All Relative.

Today I took Olivia out on a few errands after watching her for most of the morning, and I was really tired and stressed. It was one of those days that it seemed like nothing was going right. I couldn't touch Olivia without her fussing at me. I couldn't put on her hearing aid without her fussing at me. I couldn't put her in her car seat without her fussing at me - you get the point.

I was pretty beat down and anxious. In all honesty, I was pretty mad at everyone, including God. Then, right when I needed it, God lunched me straight in the face. It was like he was screaming at me, "it's all relative Chad, it could be so much worse." A friend of mine sent me a message about a family struggling with their baby's rare genetic condition that caused him to break out in blisters anytime we was touched or touched himself. From what I read, it looked like he didn't have a whole lot longer to live - at 2 years old.

Punched right in the face, hard. Really, hard. I am a baby. I was being a baby.

After I wiped the tears from my eyes hearing this family's story and thinking about the days after Olivia was born and we didn't know if she'd live, I prayed and thanked God for everything he gave us. Olivia is such a miracle and so strong. It reminded me of Hebrews 12:1 (12:2-3).

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

I thank God every day for the miracles He gives us to help little one's like Olivia bring so much joy to our family. It's all relative, sometimes I need to remember that.