This stepmom has it all…or does she?  Ok, I admit that was intended to be an eye catching title.  Here’s how the real story goes.

Years ago I was venting to my dear friend about my stepfamily woes.  Probably went something like this, “This is not what I expected, we were supposed to be so happy.  This is the man of my dreams, but everything is so messy.  The kids adored me until I married their dad, now they want nothing to do with me.  There is so much stress with the ex.  Now we are being pulled into court.  I never knew this would be so stressful.  This is not what I signed up for…”  And on and on I went.

Then I came up for air, paused for my friend to add her empathic comments to confirm how dire my circumstances were.  And she said, “I always knew you’d have everything you ever wanted.”  (Cue noise of car coming to a screeching halt.)  Was she even listening to me?  Did she hear a word?  And then I remembered that this is my friend who sees a silver lining in everything.  She is uniquely gifted that she can see amazing things in very dark situations.  She can see God at work when others cannot.  She went on to say, “You have a wonderful husband, a home, and you finally have children! I always knew God would give you those things.”  And while my perspective was dark, she saw light and His hand in things.  What a huge lesson for me.

To this day, in times of trouble, my husband and I will look at each other, smile and say “I always knew you’d have everything you ever wanted.”  It reminds us to have perspective, to see the blessings in things, and to reframe tough situations as best we can.  Then we have a laugh together and know we’ll get through whatever has come our way.

Today I am thankful for a wider perspective.  An eternal, not temporal, perspective.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV):  “For I know the plans I have for you,  declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

What are you thankful for today?