My favorite movie of all time is the Frank Capra classic "It's a Wonderful Life".
This year...more than any other
it seems to fit what's going on in our lives perfectly.
Lately I've seen my husband
look like this many times throughout the day...
We shut down our Domino's Pizza store down last week.
The store that has been our main source of income for over 20 years.
Why we shut it down is unimportant.
The fact is we did.
And while a part of us is extremely happy we did...
the other part is a bit frightened.
To say our income has dropped substantially in the past 2 weeks is an understatement.
But yet, we are good.
We are.
We are so very blessed.
We have other sources of income that will sustain us.
Pay our bills, keep food on our table.
There will be no extras.
None.
We knew that going into it.
But still it's scary.
We have worries and concerns about our home, our family.
My husband shares a lot of the same characteristics with George Baily.
He's always helping others...
always.
Every time that scene comes on where George is taking his own money
for his honeymoon and passing it
out to the citizens of Bedford Falls I just laugh...
it's so my husband.
I can't count how many times Dave has
taken from us to give to others.
That's just how he rolls.
Throughout this ordeal rumors have been swirling around
town that the Ackmans are losing everything.
That we were forced to shut down.
Those rumors hurt.
It's not so easy walking into Wal-Mart when you feel like
all eyes are on you.
But for the most part...
those people that know us and love us...
they have been wonderful.
I am so grateful for them.
My husband is, too.
It's not easy on him.
He's the one out in the trenches...
making sure are bills get paid.
Making sure we can do this without too many problems.
That's why I started keeping a Gratitude Journal again.
Having a grateful heart keeps me cheerful.
Isn't that what Christmas is all about?
A grateful heart...
A cheerful life...
A smile for everyone we meet.
Tonight as we snuggle on the couch and watch our favorite classic
I will be counting my blessings.
And even though I'm not sure what 2012 will bring
I know that I lead a blessed life. I have so much.
My family.
My friends.
My faith.
A warm home.
Food on my table.
Love in my heart.
It truly is a Wonderful Life.
Merry Christmas Girls!!
Okay, I am crying now. Really am. WHAT a wonderful, beautiful post - and I LOVE how honest and real you are. I admire you so much - and LOVE your outlook on love and life.
ReplyDeleteWe share some of the same things too - my Dave has a business (carwash) and takes on the finances when sometimes, there is no paycheck to be had. Owing is often hard - and others don't always get it.
Hold your head high at Wallmart - you are the most blessed one there!
Love to you and your beautiful family on this Christmas and always! xoxo
Such a sweet post! Its often a challenge to find the bright side in challenging times, but its there! So nice to hear your optimism and realistic but hopeful perspective! Happy Holidays to you guys!
ReplyDeleteYou may not have money for extras but your cup runneth over in the most important of ways! Your faith, family and friends will help hold you up.
ReplyDeleteAs for the ones that really don't know you and are whispering, they are the ones that more than likely don't benefit from having those things that you hold so dear - faith, family, friends, a higher moral ground.
May God Bless you and yours in 2012
Leslie, you have everything that matters to get you through: faith, love, and optimism. I feel confident that whatever 2012 looks like for you, you will be blessed!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, beautiful post is RIGHT! Oh, Leslie . . . honest and true . . . living your Wonderful Life. I love this. I pray for you and Dave (and Em and Jack, too), that the next chapter of this adventure called life will bring you much happiness. You already know what is most important, my friend. Wishing you a very merry christmas this year, and always. Much love!
ReplyDeleteLeslie ...you are fabulous....yes we need money to live and as long as the essentials are met then who cares...we have lived this type of life since my twins here born..10 years..with their medical needs i had to stop work...ie one income...does that mean we and you andso many of us out there are not rich...not a chance...we are rich in all the things that count..you know that list i am sure...a very merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family...xxx
ReplyDeleteDear heart, I KNOW that He will hold you all in the palm of His hand. Merry Christmas and may 2012 be your BEST year ever - for all of you. Still praying for Em's pain to be figured out and healed.(((((HUGS)))))
ReplyDeleteDear sweet Leslie-this is just the perfect Xmas post...to focus on all we have. You are so very gracious and wise to focus on the truly important things...health, love, family. I just know this coming year is going to be amazing for you...I can't wait to see all the blessings that come your way. Merry Xmas friend. xxx
ReplyDeleteJust waves of goosebumps and love for you, Leslie. You will make it. And you will find more of God, more of what is important, more than you ever dreamed of. May abundance be upon you, abundant life. Love to you...
ReplyDeleteleslie .. remember simplify ... you have what you need in your life and that is what is making you all happy, the simple things in life :) i will carry on keeping you all in my thoughts but only God knows what he has planned for us all. my mom always would say to me trials come along to try us and test our faith to its limits but in the end God will bring you through this... and one day you will look back and laugh or have a long list of blessing in disguise to count :) xx lou
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