Sometimes I Forget

Sometimes I forget just how blessed I really am.  Being able to hear is my normal now, which is an incredible gift...but I never want to take it for granted.  The past few weeks have been REALLY stressful for me, with a LOT going on in my life that is very unpleasant and it looks like things are going to get a lot worse before they better.  It's so easy to dwell on the negatives and the stress and wonder why God doesn't just intervene.  Then TWICE in the last week, I went to parties with big groups of total strangers and enjoyed it.  That is amazing!  God is so good and has blessed beyond my wildest dreams.  Two years ago, I had never even heard of the Esteem.  I was very much a loner who only wanted to be around a few select people because it was safe.  I could never have imagined willingly subjecting myself to big groups of strangers much less having fun in that situation.  Really, y'all, that was my worst nightmare before.  At one of the parties this week, I hardly saw the ONE person I actually knew before the party.  While I would love to have spent more time with people who are dear to me, it brings me to tears to think that I was able to go into a room of total strangers and be comfortable introducing myself and making small talk.  Small talk is a BIG DEAL when you're deaf.  It's so hard to talk to people and try to figure out new speech patterns and accents.  Then last night, I was comfortable being the center of attention a few times.  REALLY!  God is so good and He leads us.  I need to remember that now, when things don't seem so rosy and sunshiny.  He IS faithful, He HAS blessed and He will continue to do so!