You know, I sure have a lot to be thankful for.

Not just today, even though today is my birthday. Forty first to be exact. I’ve had a lot to be thankful for my whole life. In fact, the fact that I’m here at all is something to be thankful for.
I can hear my Grandma Hixson telling the story to complete strangers as if it were yesterday, “And this is Katsy-Baby. She’s our little miracle. She was born three months early. Why, she only had one in one hundred chance of living!”
While I believe her facts were true, I found it incredibly embarrassing to be introduced that way every, yes every, single time! She was thankful for her granddaughter and maybe a little bit proud, too. And, I’m thankful that her facts are true and that I was a miracle, to be born that early in 1971 was certainly a miracle.
And no, you may NOT call me Katsy-Baby! That right was reserved for Mary Ellen Hixson only! …I love and miss you Grandma…
To list all the amazing miracles in my life since then would simply be impossible. Although, I think sometimes it’s a good idea to jot things down so as to not forget them, or to help keep us on track.
That’s where I am today, trying to stay on track.
You see, I’ve gotten a little distracted lately with a couple of the things I should be thankful for; specifically, my kids. Maybe not in the way you’re thinking.
They are typical boys in that they are ornery and silly and can have a tendency to make you a little nuts at times, but my distraction has been that I miss them.
My boys are eleven and thirteen years old now. And for the first time in their lives I have really missed them being my babies. If you know me you know this is weird.
I’m not really the “baby” type. Don’t get me wrong, I love babies. I love to hold and love on them and then to give them back when they get cranky. I do not consider myself to be an exceptionally patient person, so, why on earth would I want my amazingly self sufficient young men to be babies again? Why would I reminisce to the point of real heartache?
I think the answer lies in being thankful.
I think I allowed the enemy to distract me with the memories of how adorable and shy and cute and sweet my boys WERE that I was forgetting to be thankful for how thoughtful, smart, genuine, kind, loving and amazing they are now.
“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1
When I feel that twinge of heartache for my two babies, I quickly thank my God for my two young men. I stand in awe of how He takes the heartache and turns it to joy and pride (the good kind) in a heart beat.
He knows this mom so well.
I know I can’t recount ALL the wonderful things God has done in my life since that miracle 41 years ago today, but He has taught me it’s good to be thankful.