Counting My Blessings

Even with dealing with EDS and Fibromyalgia, there are still amazing blessings that God had so graciously given me. My life isn't like anyone else's, and that doesn't make me better or worse than other people.  I've definitely been put in situations that forced me to use my faith and prayer to become a survivor, not a victim. This has been able to show me how incredibly strong I am.
I'm blessed with family. I don't have one family, I have 2. I was adopted when I was 5 weeks old. Now I have the best of both worlds. I have an amazing family and I'm really close to my birth family. My parents have been amazingly helpful. My mom goes to major appointments with me so I'm not overwhelmed. My dad picks up prescriptions for me and helps me with medication advice. He also is able to find the best doctors for me. They both are expert huggers and are always willing to give me a hug when I need it.
I love having a relationship with my birth family. Not only can I talk to my birth mom, Michele, about anything, but it helps to know and understand my medical history. I also talked to my birth father for the first time a few weeks ago and am getting to know him.
I'm blessed with church. I could go on and on about how much my church family and pastor have helped me. They are kind of like my third family.  I've had the most amazing experience at Triumph Church. They are some of the most loving and welcoming people I have ever met. I've never had so many people get excited with I get there. I also consider myself incredibly blessed to be part of the Spiritual Hands ministry, where I'm able to interpret. Anyone that knows me knows that sign language is my love and passion.  I'm so blessed to have an opportunity to do what I love and use my gift for the glory of God.
I'm blessed with a job. I work part time, which is perfect for me right now. I love where I work, who I work with, and who I meet. I feel valued and important there. I am able to be myself and be respected.
I'm blessed to be alive. I have had things happen that have destroyed others. I'm blessed that God had kept me close to Him to protect and encourage me.
Focusing on why I'm here and what my future holds is critical. Knowing I have a purpose and God has a plan, I'm able to overcome and achieve. It might be harder and take longer, but I know in the end it will be more worth it than I can even imagine.