Five Things God Has Done For Me

Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!” ~~ Psalm 66:3

Our pastor's homily yesterday got me thinking -- yet again, because I think about it pretty much every day -- about all the things God has done for me. They are stunning and humbling things. He's kind of amazing that way.

God, that is. Though my pastor's pretty great, too.

Here are just a few of those things:

1. He gave me a beautiful marriage.
When I look back to the days when I thought I would never, ever want to get married, I am so grateful that God knew better than I did. I didn't have a clue about what a marriage could be, should be, or would be, but God went ahead and gave me a loyal, patient, devoted, loving, incredible man to be my husband. I didn't deserve Atticus, but I'm unspeakably happy I got him. Thank you, God.

2. He gave me motherhood.
When I look back on the days when I thought I'd never, ever want to be a mother, I'm gobsmacked by what I didn't know. I didn't know that my children would be some of the most amazing, enjoyable, fun, interesting, lovable people who ever walked the earth. (No, that's not just a mother talking! What's wrong with you?! I am completely objective!) I didn't deserve my children, but I'm endlessly grateful for the gifts that they are. Thank you, God.

3. He gave me faith laced with intelligence.
The Catholic Church is the only place on earth I've found a satisfactory mix of faith and reason. The doctrines are sound and sensible. Compassionate and beautiful. Sane and human. Divine and down to earth. Thank you, God.

4. He gave me joy.
Despite the difficulties of traveling through this earthly life, despite the struggles, the constant disappointments, the inevitable suffering, there is joy. It's a joy that's bigger than and different than happiness. It's the firm belief, the stubborn holding-on to, the reason-defying knowing, that there's something more out there, and that it is all meant for my good. Thank you, God.

5. He gave me hope.
I once lived a life that screamed, "All hope is gone!" That life has been extinguished. I am now the grateful recipient and liver of a life that says, "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul, my God, in you I trust." (Psalm 25: 1-2) Everything points to and returns to that.  Hope. Trust.

Thank you, God.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. And thank you again. How tremendous are Your deeds.