Such Blessings

In last year, I don't think I've ever felt so lonely in some ways. The hospital and sickness is a lonely place to be. It doesn't mean that God wasn't with me, or my wonderful husband, family, and friends, but there's a loneliness to something you feel only God understands. It's been great to have my life back and feel "normal" again, I'm so grateful for that. But even though my body's healed, I feel like my heart, spirit, and emotions have not. Thank goodness for relationships and invitations and opportunities. I love how God's been using others to stretch my heart to help it heal and grow. I jumped at the chance to join a women's book club (me, the non-reader). The book "One Thousand Gifts" is a great read if anyone's interested. It led me to an amazing and strong group of women that I'm so thankful for. We got together with our husbands and kids on labor day. That was really nice. What's the use of having this great home and nice stuff if we can't share it or fill it with people? Kids, babies, family, friends, loved ones. It's just stuff and it's totally meaningless without God or relationships. (I wish I knew that in my heart and not just my mind long, long ago! so many regrets.) I was also so excited about meeting other families that also adopted from the Home of God's Love, which has led me to more amazing women. And talking with them has also been really healing. There's nothing like connecting with someone that understands your pains and has been through similar things. As He provides new friends, though, He's also provided the the strong friendships that have held me throughout my life. God is good, faithful, and healing.