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finding good

It’s all good.

God has, once again, managed to change my perspective.

Today I went in for a mammogram. Routine. No big deal.

But when I was standing there, belly up to that ridiculously cold breast squashing machine and wondering if I put on enough deodorant, it started to dawn on me.

Someone got the news today that she has breast cancer.

Someone got the news today that her husband has been unfaithful.

Someone got the news today that her child has a chronic disease.

Someone got the news today that her mother isn’t going to live to see this Christmas.

Today I got the news that I do not have breast cancer. And there is so much to celebrate in that. Of course I didn’t expect to hear I did have breast cancer.

But what if?

Thank you, Lord, for the very real reminder of all the blessings that abound in my life. In the lives of those I love.

Thank you, Lord, for the encouragement to focus on the big picture, on all I have to be grateful for, instead of what I *think* I lack.

Thank you, Lord, for the inspiration to celebrate the news I did not get.

P.S. And thank you guys so much for your sweet words of support. I can’t tell you how many of your comments and emails have put a smile on my face today 🙂

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12.18.09 · my faith, real life 16

Comments

  1. sweet momma luv u says

    December 19, 2009 at 12:00 AM

    I love your posts Stefanie!! You are awesome…
    I got good news today too! My cast came off of my ankle and I can start to walk on it a little bit. The Dr. also said we can travel to China in Feb!!!! I am so excited . God is so faithful and provides for us when we need him.
    I love him so much!!

    Blessings,
    Jody

    Reply
  2. Kim says

    December 19, 2009 at 12:25 AM

    Isn't it so special to remember the blessings God does for us. When I get down, I remember all the everyday things He helps me with. THank you for the reminder of God's goodness.

    Reply
  3. Tara Anderson says

    December 19, 2009 at 12:33 AM

    I love how God is always faithful to remind us that it could always be worse, and that despite our struggles He has richly blessed us! We all need a little perspective sometimes. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Holly says

    December 19, 2009 at 12:50 AM

    Amen and amen! It's really all about perspective, isn't it?
    So many of us are waiting with you in cyberspace for the news that those three long awaited letters have arrived! No, it's not the same as what you're going through. But HE knows. And He's in control even when we have questions without answers…and soon…very soon…your family will be complete…again…for now 🙂
    love,
    Holly

    Reply
  5. Football & Fried Rice says

    December 19, 2009 at 1:03 AM

    I have been thinking about that lately too – what news we DON'T get – what an awesome way to consider God's faithfulness. Thanks for the perspective!

    Reply
  6. Shanti says

    December 19, 2009 at 1:06 AM

    Amen, sister!

    Reply
  7. Patricia/NYC says

    December 19, 2009 at 2:08 AM

    BEAUTIFUL post, Stefanie!! A wonderful reminder to consider ALL the ways in which he faithfully blesses us!

    Hugs, friend!!

    Reply
  8. Karin says

    December 19, 2009 at 2:23 AM

    Great perspective! God has a way of doing that for us, doesn't He?! I love it when He helps me see things for the way they truly are. Thank you for sharing–and I'm glad you don't have breast cancer (and thank you for the reminder to go get a mammo myself).

    Reply
  9. Frednphil says

    December 19, 2009 at 2:25 AM

    Thank you for this post. I have been feeling blue all day long for no particular reason. You helped put it all in perspective.

    Reply
  10. Lori says

    December 19, 2009 at 2:29 AM

    GREAT way to look at it, Stefanie! We have WAY more to be thankful for than ever to complain about. As you well know, your baby girl will be with you before you know it, squealing with joy….and all that time waiting will be a distant memory.

    **Aren't you supposed to NOT wear deodorant for a mammogram??

    Reply
  11. Our Family says

    December 19, 2009 at 3:56 AM

    And thank YOU for sharing your fresh perspective, because we all need the encouragement and the reminder to SEE our blessings. I know I do!!!!

    Reply
  12. Annie says

    December 19, 2009 at 4:05 AM

    Great reminder, Stefanie. Thank you!!

    Reply
  13. Cindy says

    December 19, 2009 at 5:02 AM

    Love your humor (but shouldn't you be deodorant-less?) and the fact HE rules and controls! Your perspective is always refreshing.
    Glad to hear you were in the all clear and here's hoping you hear more good news very soon!

    Reply
  14. The Harlow's says

    December 19, 2009 at 2:36 PM

    Wow – thank you for the reminder. I was having my own pitty party today, and I needed to be reminded about all the blessing around me.

    Merry Christmas!!!

    Diane

    Reply
  15. Shelly and Family says

    December 19, 2009 at 5:29 PM

    You know Stefanie – it is truly the little things that we all should be so very thankful for. I find myself struggling with the bumps we are having with Benjamin's paper chasing and it totally sucks – rocks! But when I stop the whine & cry and look around at what I already have…it makes all those bumps not all that important. I know that WE WILL be traveling for Benjamin some time next year. It may not be when I WANTED to travel for him – but – I am not in control over what HE has planned for me. I only have to follow his lead and know that everything HE does is for a reason…I may not see 'that reason' right now or understand 'that reason'…but I know that there is one and I just have to have FAITH in HIM to know that everything will work out in the end…

    BTW – got my post all ready to go for SSS for this week! Can't wait to check out everyone elses…

    Here's to having a great weekend!!!!

    Reply
  16. Jenna says

    December 20, 2009 at 11:07 AM

    I have experienced this awakening at every difficult turn in our adoption process too….and at other disappointing times in life. Perspective….it is such a GIFT form God! And, you know what I've learned? Not everyone is given (or accepts) that gift. But, it is probably the best antidote to self-pity and self-absorbtion I know….I've experienced it first hand! Great post!!! And still praying for you guys!

    Reply

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I'm Stefanie. Wife to one, mom to 13. Occasional blogger and t-shirt maker. Wannabe photographer and exerciser. Constant grace-needer and orphan advocator. more
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