Yesterday was my brother’s birthday. And of course, I forgot my camera again just like I did on my brother Caleb’s birthday, so I have no pictures of my “little” brother turning the big 23, (I say “little” because Bryant is almost 6’3″!) or my littlest brother turning 21 (who again, is over six feet tall. Sheesh.)
It was after Bryant opened the presents we got him and we were all stuffed with my mom’s homemade enchiladas and an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins that I started thinking. We were all lounging on the couches and the floor, laughing and talking, and I just realized how incredibly blessed I am to have such an amazing family. Ever since we were tiny, my family has been super, super close. We are best friends as well as being siblings, daughters, sons and parents.
This is us when we were little – Caleb, Bryant, Cayce and Me. 🙂
And my mom and dad. 🙂
It’s pretty special. 🙂
And then, I met this amazing guy:
Who brought his equally amazing family into the picture! I could not ask for better in-laws – the O’Briens are definitely another huge blessing! There has never been a time when I didn’t feel like a part of the family. 🙂
Back in the ole engagement days… 🙂It is SO easy for me to completely space out on the incredible blessings God has given me – especially when my prayer request list keeps filling up! I was reminded of this verse this morning and I just want to share it:
John 13:7 – “Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.'”
Isn’t this the truth? I am definitely a hindsight 20/20 kind of a girl – sometimes it’s so hard for me to see what things I should be thankful for right now. I get so caught up on what I think we need or something I want. But, when I stop and really think about it? I have everything I could ever need right here: Christ.
It’s good to be reminded! How about you guys? Are there things in your life that you’ve forgotten to be thankful for lately? 🙂
Thank you for sharing that verse. I needed to see it.
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.
I'm thankful for my family too. But it can be easy to be not so much when your brother fries your computer cord, and such, like siblings do. I like that verse, by the way.
Gracie
This post was a godsend today, Erynn. It's always so refreshing and uplifting to be reminded to step back and "count our blessings"…it puts things in perspective and reminds us once more that God is taking care of us and providing for us, even when we don't know realize what He is doing. He is so good!
Thanks for the reminder, and the powerful verse to go with it!
That's a great verse! I should probably put it somewhere where I can see it everyday … just as a reminder.
I always love it when I am reminded of the blessing that my own family is to me. Usually I appreciate my family a LOT more when I've been around some of my friends' families. Makes the little things that annoy me, seem so unimportant!