Taken for Granted

As I sat reflecting today and reading  my bible, I thought about relationships. How many times have I taken my husband, my children, my family, and my friends for granted? Assuming that they will just always be there for me is a mistake with much to high a cost.
Ephesians 5:33 says- Nevertheless, each one of you must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. How many (many!) times have I disrespected Steve with a look, action, word, or hurtful way? When we allow ourselves to forget this verse, we open ourselves up to temptation, and to the devil's evil schemes. We must put on the full amor of God daily- Ephesians 6:10-20, and remember that satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy our relationships. He wants nothing less, than to see us miserable, spouseless, friendless, and Godless. I love my husband, and never want him to ever question or doubt that.

Let's not forget my beautiful children. I have made many mistakes with Ben, Steven, Katie, and Emma. So many things I wish that I could take back, do differently, and re-do, but I can't. What I can do though, is learn from my mistakes, grow more in the Lord and His wisdom, and try to do things differently. Isaiah 54:13-All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children's peace.

I have many awesome friends, and I don't want to ever take them for granted a single day of my life. I read this- a friend is one who multiplies joys, divides grief, and whose honesty is inviolable. One who understands our silence, one who goes in, when the whole world has gone out. I hope my friends know just how much I love them and treasure their presence in my life.

My parents, sisters,brother-in-law, cousins, and aunts have all been such a great part of my life, and I am eternally grateful for the influence, love, and support throughout the years.

Treasure the people in your life. Do not take for granted their existance in your life. We know not, when they will no longer be there.