My husband and I watched a movie tonight.  Not the kind with a happy ending.  This one told the story of a lady who was losing custody of her child.  It was heart wrenching to watch her lose custody. Yes, I cried my eyes out.  All while our “ours kids” and my stepkids lay soundly sleeping in their beds.  But then one of our “ours kids” woke up and called out for “Mommy.”  I will admit that I jumped out of bed, ran to her room and gladly cradled her and rocked her back to sleep, cherishing every moment.  Holding my babe was the perfect antidote to that sad movie!

It made me pause for a moment.  Many times I have wondered “What’s it like to be in her (the ex wife’s) shoes?”  Ok, not the stir-it-up, chaos-creating, interfering shoes.  But rather, the I-don’t-get-to-see-my-kids-everyday-anymore shoes.  After watching this movie maybe Hollywood provided me with a sliver of understanding, a sliver of empathy. Or maybe it’s that God has been softening my heart.

I Peter 3:8 (NLT) says:  “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters.  Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.”

So today I am thankful that God shows us how to be empathic.  I’m thankful that God has been working on my heart.

What are you thankful for today?