To Be Challenged.....

As I sit here and reflect, I am so thankful for the blessings and the challenges of life. Blessings are easy to be thankful for but challenges can be difficult to be thankful for.  But it is during the times of challenges we are stretched and refined in character. Challenges don't have to be seen as a bad thing.  For me it is the changes that happen in life that I consider challenging but rewarding at the same time. The challenges of school on days my mind doesn't grasp concepts of information... The challenges of self worth because of not working outside the home.... The challenges when contemplating the loneliness that will occur when both my older kids getting married in August...  The challenges of not feeling needed by your children... The challenges of self doubt... but I choose to be thankful during these times because it during these times God is showing me what He is doing to refine my character for the next season of life.  I can choose  how I will walk during these times, and I choose to be thankful in anticipation of the great work God is doing.  I am truly blessed to have breath, to love, to share, to serve and most of all, to be challenged.