I’m thankful to be tired and sleep deprived the last few
days, because I was spending time with
friends and family instead of in my bed.
I’m thankful for the belly aches that follow two home cooked meals. I’m
thankful for the short time I had at home, because I know the shortness is only
due to having a job to return to. I’m thankful for the itchy eyes and nose that
come from puppy love at family gatherings. I’m thankful for the heartache that
came from missing those that are no longer here. I know it means that I’ve
experiences love, and that I have memories of those that have gone on. I’m
thankful for headaches and pains because of those that show their worry care. I’m
thankful to have missed my brother on Thanksgiving, not only because it means we
have a relationship worth missing but because I know he was away with one whom
he loves. I’m thankful that while home I missed my friends back at my other
home. I have two communities that love and support me. I’m thankful for tired
eyes, a happy heart, and a spirit at peace.
I am thankful. I am grateful. I am oh so blessed!
I am grateful for each and every blessing God has bestowed
upon me. He has blessed me with a loving family, gracious friends, two homes,
two churches, a job, a vehicle that powers through, and many more “things” that
I neither need nor deserve.
It’s been a rough year… rough almost two years really. I lost
my Pop, then my dad, had some friend drama, graduated college, did a cross country
road trip, worked my last summer at camp, didn’t know what I was returning to,
moved home, took part in three weddings, family drama, job searched, started
Starbucks, started babysitting, made lots of poor decisions, gained some new
friends, fell in love, left my jobs, didn’t know what came next, moved back to
my college town, was job less, more friend drama, had my heart broken, learned
lots of lessons, recovered a faith I didn’t know I was losing, struggled, found
a job in my career, formed some life changing friendships, found some peace, and
saw/ am still seeing God remain steadfast through it all.
I’ve had some low moments. I didn’t make all the best
decisions. I fell down more than once, and yet, His mercy remained. He is truly
sufficient for me. Everything in this life is an extra gift that I am
undeserving of. I’ve learned that trials only polish and refine. Weariness only
causes me to fall back on Him. The exhaustion, confusion, pain, hurt, and anger
I have experienced this past year only brought me back to the feet of Jesus,
and oh what a beautiful place that is!
I’m thankful for the little things. God has been gracious to
me young measure. I know no more precious gift than to be loved by a Lord who is active, who is merciful, who
is gracious, forgiving, sacrificially loving, who created me, who knows me, who
wants me! Thank you, Jesus! Thank you for grace, mercy, and love. For friends,
family, and a home. For my past, my present, and for having a plan for my
future. Thank you Jesus for naps, for cats, parades, and babies. Thank you for
seeing me, truly seeing me, and still loving and pursuing me. Thank you for
never giving up on me no matter how fast or hard I ran. Your steadfast love, Your
undeserved grace, peace everlasting, mercy never ending, and your Son. Thank you
for crunchy leaves, teddy bears, warm blankets, hot jackets, and chocolate…
because You even care about the little things.
