Seeing the Good

Our God has a sense of humor!
6 years ago we lived here in Missouri. It was by far the hardest 7 months of my life. Emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually, in regards to my marriage and life as a mom. Missouri was known as misery in my mind. There are very few "positive" memories that I can recall in those months for many reasons.
Fast forward to the present! It is the complete opposite!!!
Yes, it is still a small town in the middle of nowhere, but it is so much more if you choose to find it!
Why the "sense of humor" comment? I begged God to NEVER send us here again. It was so horrible, unbearable, miserable, awful, etc that I didn't think I could handle it ever again. 6 years later here we are... SAME PLACE I begged not to be ever again. Obviously HE was ready to teach me a lesson on seeing the good in all things.
However, this time I am choosing to see the positives, put a smile on my face and enjoy the small town for what is has to offer.
My list of GREAT things since we have been here: (I am sure there are more, but this is just a start.)

• A beautiful new rental on top of the hill where it is quiet
• A home that is next to the bus stop
• A great school for my 1st grader to attend with a teacher who has a sense of humor, but still strict!
• A school for Hannah that promises to prepare her for Kindergarten next year.
• Wonderful people who are helpful and kind when setting the girls up for hourly child care and all the orientations that follow.
• Knowing several wonderful women of God whom I have known since Germany.
• Getting invited to a PWOC that feels like "home" and a place to grow deeper in HIM all while my kiddos are taken care of with love.
• A Christian radio station that is uplifting.
• Shopping opportunities all around me... yes I have to drive at least an hour to get to them, but that is an hour of quiet, beautiful country side and time to talk with the girls.
• Family friends in Branson (Hi Marla, Scott and Laura! :o*)
• Family in Kansas 4 hours away
• Family in Kansas 7 hours away
• When I need help, I get small town service, may not be FAST, but it is kind and helpful.
• Most of all, it forces me to slow the pace of life down a notch.
  

I will NOT make a list of the things that are a struggle. It is not worth my time to focus on those negatives. The smile on my face may be forced at times, but that smile, patience and good attitude is proving to be my sweet honey to life at the moment.
On a side note: To make things better since the hubby is gone... FLOWERS on my door step waiting for me after a busy day! The best hubby EVER!