Thankful Tuesdays: Living in the in-between...

I plunged into 2012, raring to go.  This would be the year.  The year we would get to see Europe.  The year we finally get our clutter under control.  The year of with lots of little learning.  The year where things got sorted out.  2012, like any year, held lots of promise.  New routines.  New resolutions.  

Then normal life got in the way.  The screaming sessions at night.  The never-ending list of household chores.  The screaming baby that must be carried during naps.  The call from the embassy signaling more delays, and more question marks.  This in-between state was driving me crazy.  Do we learn German?  Should the hubby spend money to sign up for his English language exam?  Should we start applying for positions in other countries?  The dilemma of being in a limbo: do I pack up to move?  If I pack to move, how do I still make my house a home to live in?  There are disagreements and raised voices.  Meanwhile, the laundry pile grows and grows.  The clutter seems to be never-ending no matter how much I try to pack.  There are toddler tantrums amidst it all.  Patience wears thin.

We are living in the in-between.  It is an uncomfortable state, full of questions, doubts, fears.  And then I am reminded that life, more or less, is a state of limbo, as we wait for Christ to come again.  We struggle with living in an fallen world, while waiting for perfection.  We live with and we marry imperfect people. We hope and wish for better, and chase dreams.  And with this struggle for the better, we long and seek for peace.

Then this verse gently nudges me and reminds me that this peace only comes from God:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  

- Philippians 4: 6-7

So I am trying.  To lift high my anxieties to our Father, and ask for patience that is sorely needed.  And peace.  And yes, I am still trying to give thanks.  For:

Albatross nesting in Taiora Head, South Island, New Zealand.

:: The reminder that we are grounded and safe from the winds of life that buffet us, so long that we rest in the shadow of His wings.

:: Conversations consisting of gurgles and coos from the little one.

:: The hot cup of milo made by the hubby every night for my supper.

:: Little legs growing stronger day by day, that also insist on climbing the steps up to our home.

:: Being able to hold the hands of my boys.  All 3 of them.

:: The library, that allows us the privilege of reading, at no cost.

:: The kind soul that gave up her seat while I was carrying the baby.

:: Washing machines, that churn out clean clothes with the press of a button.  (Important because Baby J has been consistently puking/pooping on our sheets almost every other day.  I seem to spend half my life doing laundry!)

:: Breezy days that take the sweat out of trips to the playground.

:: Love from friends that extend to the kids.

Life is in a limbo.  But still very blessed.

What are you thankful for?

PS: This year, I am hoping that you, dear reader, could join me in a grateful gathering every Tuesday.  If you do blog, could you take time to count your blessings... and link up through the comments section?