God Bless America

......Land of the free.

I feel like this is a statement that is all too often overlooked, or taken for granted.  I, being one of those people.

I catch myself, more often than I would like, taking the phrase "Land of the Free" for granted.  Having never lived anywhere other than the USA, and not doing much traveling, I feel it is easy to do. 

So this year, on July 4th, I made a huge effort to give this statement more thought.  Why it took Independence Day for me to do this, I am really not sure.

I thanked a Soldier for his service.  There are so many men and women who fight for our freedom.  That is something to truly be thankful for.  They put their life at risk....for each and every one of us.  Not to mention, their families go for extended periods without them home.  They worry, and are concerned each and every day for their safety and well being.  I can only imagine what they go through.

I saw a picture and saying floating around on the internet lately with these very hot days that we have been having.  It said something along the lines of..."if you think today's weather is hot, imagine what a soldier is going through in 110-120 degree temperatures, with their heavy gear on"...all the while fighting for this wonderful country.  That was a huge eye opener to me, and some food for thought. 

While thinking about this, it really made me stop and think about how blessed I am.  I have so much to be thankful for, aside a free country.  I have a beautiful family-- loving husband, and two amazing and healthy sons.  Supportive parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles, cousins, etc.  A roof over my head, and food on the table for every meal.  A job.  And so, so much more.

Even with all that being said, we live in a society that feeds us with the need to want more.  A bigger, newer house.  Name brand clothing.  A new vehicle. A bigger income.  A smaller waist.  And the list goes on and on.

I am aware of these things, and get sucked in.  That's when it hit me hard.  There are people putting their life at risk for me, and I am worried about this pity stuff?  That is crazy. 

Carl and I have recently talked about wanting a different home.  We would like something bigger, and we caught ourselves getting frustrated with not being able to find something.  And then I stumbled across this...

 
How true is that.  When we want more, I am trying to remind myself to be patient, and be happy with what we have.  Because we have a lot to be happy with.  After all, the title of this blog says it all.  We strive each and every day to Admire the Small Things.    

Don't get me wrong, I want to continue to move forward, work towards my goals, strive to better myself.  And believe me when I say I have big goals.  But I want to do these things all the while being thankful for my current situation.  Because in the end, my life is pretty grand.  The roof over my head is plenty big enough for my family.  Because in reality, that means our house if full of stuff.  Stuff that takes up space, making our life even more plentiful, and added items to our list of things we need and should be thankful for.  Not to mention, the size of our house does not matter, just so it is filled with love.  And you better believe our house is filled with a ton o' love! 

So, I am trying my best to be present.  Live in each and every moment.  Cherish the little things that are placed in my day.  That precious smile across each of my boys' face.  The giggle from Carson that I absolutely love to hear, or the coo from Weston that melts my heart.  The love from my husband--that spontaneous moment when he grabs for my hand, just to hold me.  Cuddles from each of my boys at night.  Our bedtime routine complete with a prayer......and a moment to stop from what we are doing, to thank the good Lord for everything.

We live in a wonderful Country, and I am proud to be an American.  Even during this "troubling" time of our economy, or the political debates that are being had....at the end of the day, we can all be thankful for something.  If nothing else, we can thank someone face-to-face for their service.  

I write this post as a reminder to myself, and possibly to others as well.  A reminder to always strive to look around, and be thankful for what I/You have, and be content.  That is the key word.  Contentment.  Something to aim towards each and every day.

At this moment, I am content in my life. I feel like I am right where I need and should be. And that, is an amazing feeling. 

"We may not have it all together, but together we have it all!"