blessings

I realized today just how blessed I really am.  I was able to just relax today.  I took a bubble bath and was able to soak in hot water.  Sitting there I was realizing how what I get to do today many people pray for.  In actuality, that's really sad.   That hurts to think about that.  Everyone deserves a day to rest and everyone deserves a chance for either a hot bath or shower.  I never really thought of it as a luxury.  But it is.  Then God graciously reminded me that I have friends that He's blessed me with to keep me down here on Earth.  They humble me.  They teach me everyday.  They even pray for me.  Who gets that blessing everyday?  Who is able to say that about their lives?  None of this really has to do with how much money anyone has or what geographical location I'm in, or even what decade I was born into.  It's the simple things in life that get you thinking about how meaningless really everything else is.  I mean seriously.  God has blessed so many lives in ways that we could only dream of.  Now if you think of Him blessing others with success, perfect genes, the ideal family.... then you're not thinking of what God sees as a blessing.  Sure, these "things" can be but what really is there when all of that goes away?  When you no longer have succes?  When your perfect genes are no longer?  When your family falls apart?  What's left?  I like to look at it as "What's everything that I always need?"  What is it that remains when the world crumbles?  GOD! I was humbled today when a friend shared this with me.  Yes, I'm excited about where my life is going and how God continues to amaze me.... but really, it's all Him that is doing everything I've always dreamed.  What He's given me are tools to use.  I can either not use them and live an okay life.  Nothing-to-be-ashamed-of type of life.  Or will I use the tools He's given me to share who He is not just in my life but in those around me?  Now THAT is a life that I want to live!  So, I must praise God for giving me a life that I love and friends and family that I couldn't live without (though when the time comes, I know He'll give me strength), and people in my life that remind me who HE is in me.  I am VERY thankful for that.