Six years ago today…

I was standing in front of my apartment building watching it and everything I owned go up in flames. It honestly feels like a lifetime ago although some things (like the smell of a fire or smoke) brings me back to that moment in time. With Thanksgiving coming up I was lucky enough to get a great assignment for the A Million Little Things blog. I was to create a layout about what I am grateful for. Little did I know when I signed up for the assignment that it was due exactly 6 years ago from when that fire happened. I thought that was pretty cool. ;)

I have so much to be thankful for, including that fire six years ago today. I truly believe that my life wouldn’t be the same and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it didn’t happen. I’m a pretty positive and optimistic person already and although that fire was a test of my strength and faith – I’m happy to say that I feel like it only made me happier, more positive and stronger in my faith. THAT is a blessing. So, on today and Thanksgiving and every day – remember that things are just that – things. What really is important in life are the things that fire (or anything for that matter) cannot take away – love, faith, joy, laughter, family and strength to name just a few.

Wherever you are in your life right now – I pray that you take a minute to count your blessings and know that God is always there with you no matter your hardships and struggles. Reach out to Him for the strength you need and He will get you through it. He did that for me. It is true what they say about good always coming out of bad. It’s what you do with that good that really matters. So today I am grateful. Today I look back on that fire and once again I’m thankful … that I was wearing my favorite shoes to work that day. I’m thankful no one was seriously hurt or killed that day. I’m thankful I had renters insurance and was able to pick up the pieces and start anew. I’m thankful for actually feeling God wrap His arms around me in that parking lot that morning as I stood there in shock. I’m so very thankful.

Six years ago today, my life was changed … for the better.

Thank you, fire.

P.S. You can go here to see the layout I created:
http://www.amillionlittlethings.typepad.com/