10,000 Reasons

So lately I've been having a tough time. Work has been busy and I've had a couple of situations that have caused me a lot of stress, I got sick after my trip to Atlanta, Parker has been randomly not sleeping through the night and has been waking up EVERY Monday morning around 4 am, our childcare schedule has been off the past 2 weeks, etc., etc. So, I have been exhausted and feeling a little sorry for myself.

I have a friend who is a new(ish) mom of two and has posted a couple blogs lately about her struggles as a busy mom/wife - including lack of sleep affecting her attitude and using it as an excuse, not sharing her burdens, and struggling with not having a clean house. All of these spoke to me, I miss getting all the sleep I want, I am a control freak and don't like to let others help me, and I am OCD (keep your comments to yourself Alison :) ) about my house being clean.

One morning this week I was riding to work (Zach was taking Paker to my sister's) and pouting when Matt Redman's 10,000 Reasons came on. I cranked it up and started singing because I love that song. When it got to the part that says "And on that day when my strength is failing [the end draws near and my time has come] still my soul will sing your praise unending.....10,000 reasons for my heart to find" I got knocked right out of my pity party! 

Also, in Sunday school this past week Jeff said - sometimes God gives us things to make us holy, not happy and man do I need that! And, Bobby preached on JOY.

Then today, I had lunch with a dear friend who is about to embarq on a new challenge (a showing love for others kind) and it is going to be difficult. She was talking about how a bible study group she has been in has helped prepare her for it,  but also, how hearing the stories of some of the women in that bible study remind her how good she has it. I was later thinking about this - about how good I do have it and how I have done nothing to "have it better". It is by God's grace that I have been redeemed and forgiven (something I would dare to say many in that study haven't yet experienced), that I was raised in a godly home (in America), given the opportunity to go to college, use my skills to work, have a wonderful godly husband, a healthly child, 10,000 more reasons.....

All of these have been a reminder for me: First, I do not have it bad; second, Praise God for santification; third even during these times, my heart can find 10,000 reasons to worship His holy name!  

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;

my hope comes from Him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation;

He is my fortess, I will not be shaken."

Psalm 62:5-6