[Image credit: Stuart Miles]
After the horrific tragedy in our country on the 14th, the thought of celebrating my birthday was low on the priority list. I opted to cancel my party — both the train park and the live entertainment. Once I got home from work, I threw a load of laundry in the washer and contemplated how I wanted to spend the remainder of “my” day. Deciding on a quiet dinner out with my little family, I mentioned to a close friend that she and her fiancé were welcome to join us if they were in the area. It turned out to be a night to cherish my blessings: family. Friends. Another year of life. Later on when I mentioned to another friend my feelings of guilt at enjoying myself, he reminded me that even though bad things happen in the world, it’s still okay to celebrate our own good things. And that’s exactly what I did.
When bad things happen, are you able to embrace the blessings in your life?
Always The Write Time Blog 
Dec 17, 2012 @ 12:14:58
That was a message at two different churches I attended this weekend. There can be joy when people are experiencing sadness, grief, or loss. It’s important to honor all experiences…and to embrace joy when it appears in your life.
Dec 17, 2012 @ 12:30:51
~ yes, there *can* be joy in the midst of sorrow. For me, it has proven to be a coping mechanism for making it through the darker times. And it teaches us almost to look for it.
Dec 17, 2012 @ 16:36:22
Don’t deprive yourself of celebrating even the smallest and simplest things in your life right now. They are the blessings in your life.
Dec 18, 2012 @ 19:55:38
~ I couldn’t agree more.