As we gear up for Thanksgiving, a time when we all seem to take a moment of pause, and no matter our differences in beliefs or circumstances, we all share a humble moment of gratitude for the many blessings that fill our lives. I've noticed on Facebook that a number of people have sought to be thankful each day this month for everything from Dr. Pepper to God's love in a season of brokenheartedness. I have been thinking about this post for awhile and have been very slack in my blogging but decided now was the perfect time, so no more delaying!
In the spririt of this special season of thankfulness that prepares all our hearts for the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, I share my count(down) of blessings.
10+ wonderful friends, both past and present, that have loved me, encouraged me, mocked me, laughed with (and at) me and cried when I've cried; we have been through so many adventures (the good, the bad, the ugly...hello law school!) and I have become the woman I am today because of all the incredible people that have sewn into my life and shaped me - it is a miracle to find one true friend...and I have had so many it overwhelms me to think of how incredibly fortunate I am
9 hours of work each day (give or take) to learn from some of the most brilliant people in the field, but more importantly, some of the kindest and most wonderful co-workers a girl could ask for
8 amazing pastors in my life who have loved me and led me to (and back to) Jesus; some with words from a pulpit, some from the internet or books that I will probably never meet, some as friends who allowed me into the lives and homes and families, some from different denominations with different personalities but all pointing in the same direction, both with their ministries and their lives
7 hours of sleep each night (give or take) to rest in a cozy little king-sized bed in a safe little studio apartment in the downtown metro of a wonderful city in a wholesome state in a free and prosperous nation on a life-sustaining planet
6 is the number of times I've been to Hawaii; is any further explanation really needed?
5 certificates I hung on my office wall last night and what they represent - opportunity...for education and experiences that so few have access to...I'm incredibly grateful
4 wonderful grandparents and although I never knew one and another has gone to be with the Lord, they raised my parents so they blessed me before I was even born; the time I have been given with them has been such a gift and I'm so thankful for the Godly heritage I have
3 great dentists...I know that might seem silly but if you'd had as much dental work as I have, including 3 crowns in less than a year, and if you've ever been to a lousy dentist, then you understand and I'm telling you, mine are really, really good...and that's not the laughing gas talking
2 baby geniuses that call me auntie and 2 amazing sisters and 2 incredible parents - they truly are my best friends in the world and words really fail me here...I've said often that if God never did another kind thing for me, the fact that he let me be born into my family is enough kindness for a dozen lifetimes...I am blessed beyond measure
1 God who loved me so much that he sent his only son to die a sinner's death on a cross so that I might have eternal life...and life in abundance on this earth, in this and every season...
Lord, thank you isn't enough but I am so overwhelmingly grateful for your love, your forgiveness, your many, many blessings and your unending, completely unmerited favor...and I want so much to live my life by your grace for your glory because you first loved me.
Happy Thanksgiving.
