Stopping for a moment to count my blessings.

This week I have been given a good glimpse of God.  Not so much directly from him but through the reflection of his beauty, enabled by his grace.

I have seen him alive in the people I have spent time with. Specifically in my new church family, where my heart has been softened by people remembering my name, inviting me out and delighting in sharing in my life. I have overheard people praying for me, and I have been given the opportunity to share about my home.

Also in my bible college friends; the security of their love and the testimony of their faith.  This week I have seen friends be bruised by life yet faithfully cling to the love of the Lord, allowing us to find laughter amongst their tears. I've had family time over games nights and shared meals.  And together we have basked in frustration at the trauma of having to actually read over reading week!

I have been shown God in his creation. I was whisked off on a girls weekend to Carlingford just across the border into Ireland.  It was a retreat of girl talks into the early hours of the morning, lie ins, walking adventures, board games, and much laughter.  How sweet it was to get to know those girls and their enjoyment of life.  But also how clearly I could gain perspective when faced with the beauty of that place.  Views God had created out of the extravagance of his nature, no detail idly overlooked; for no other purpose but the display of his glory.

"If they keep quiet the stones will cry out."

And yet again exploring the North Coast...

This week I have also been given a glimpse of myself.  Especially today. I have moaned over slow computers, and requirements of my course.  I wanted to cry at having to walk an extra 10 minutes on the way to Tesco because I forgot my purse. I have been impatient with others and envious of their blessings. Worse, I have been impatient with God, demanding a fresh and exciting revelation.

How far I am from his perfection and how quickly I let go of who he is. This week has been a gift wrapped in grace yet like an ungrateful child I have quickly become unsatisfied and demand more. So should I now strive to replicate his awesome perfection? Perhaps  not. But can I stop for a minute to count my blessings? Well that's what this post is about.