So I've been seeing, what seems like, 75% of the facebook world (at least my friends) listing something, every day, that they're thankful for during the month of November. I really like the idea! Like, I really do. But I can't bring myself to do it, because everyone else is. I, by no means, consider myself a trendsetter, but apparently, a trend-follower, I am also not. I am thankful for so many things in my life... so many! But even though I want to join in, I basically don't let myself, because for whatever reason, I can't be like everyone else -- even though I don't like to stick out and I like what others are doing but I can't do what they're doing because then I'm not an original even though I don't care if I'm original I have to be. Got it? Yeah... me too :o)
But today, on Thanksgiving, here on my blog, I am going to list 30 things I'm thankful for. Yep, one for each day in November, but all at once! So technically, I totally win this thing ;O)
I am thankful for:
1. My relationship with Jesus. I sit here shaking my head wondering who in the world I'd be without Him. My life would be nothing the same; empty and meaningless and lonely. Truly. Grateful.
2. My husband.
He's my best friend.
He cares about me way more than I give him credit for.
He has a servant's heart.
He loves me unconditionally.
I couldn't ask for better!
3. Baby Z. I haven't met him yet, but I think he's going to be a fun little guy, especially if he takes after me - ha ha! Just kidding! I'm so thankful that I've had a healthy pregnancy so far and he seems to be growing and moving right on track. See you in 69 days buddy!
4. Autumn. I'm sure you've picked up on this before, but it's truly my favorite time of year!
5. A place to live. Most of the time it's cramped. Even more of the time it's messy. But we have a roof and walls and a door that locks. We are blessed!
6. Friends. I could easily fill up this list with each friend that I'm grateful for, but then I'd have room for little else. Friends mean so much to me, especially when I live so far away from family. They listen, they encourage, they give me rides, they share my love of Jesus, and I know I can count on them! Thank you for being my friend! My heart is happy when I think of each of you!
7. My Sister. We talk to each other pretty much every day! Can you believe that? We live hundreds of miles apart, but it doesn't seem so far when our hearts are so closely knit. We are confidants, share more memories together than can be counted, and sometimes have conversations in either movie quotes or songs. She has always been firecely protective of me and I realize that all the more as I look back over the years. We have become our own individuals through the passing of time, but we are and will always be sisters!
8. My Mother. She sparked my love for cooking, baking, and feeding family and friends. She demonstrates the value of working hard. She gives so much of herself to others - she truly loves people! I hope to reflect these traits in my life as a mother.
9. My Dad. He works incredibly hard and, in turn, gives his extra to help others. He can strike up a conversation with just about anyone -- which was just so "embarrasing" when I was younger, but now I can see what a positive skill that is! He is highly intelligent and has always pushed me to try harder, be articulate, and thirst for knowledge. Dad, your word for the day is: Opuscule. Go!
10. Music. Music soothes. Music comforts. It heals, excites, rejoices, celebrates, transcends. I am thankful for the musical ability I do have and hope to always share that love with my family.
11. Exercise. Once I started exercising on a regular basis, our marriage became better. Coincidence? I think not. There's just something about getting out there, working out, releasing stress and tension, being out in nature, and gaining those endorphins that is irreplaceable. Although I'm just walking now, when I have been running before and I'm struggling, I tell myself how fortunate I am to be able to run and walk and move. There are many people who wish they could and that makes me even more grateful for the ability!
12. Movies. They are fun. They're entertaining. Sure, they can be a waste of time -sometimes- but I like them!
13.
Dora. She's 4 now! I can't believe it! I actually missed her birthday last week *embarrased face* but I don't think she noticed. When she snuggles, I love her more. But I have to admit, there are times when she's chilling (aka sleeping) and off on her own, she's sure easy to take of and makes me appreciate her all the more!14. Jeremiah's new job! It was an answer to prayer.
15. Food. Making it, baking it, eating it. I love the whole process and I love how it can bring people together!
16. Sales. I'm hoping to find some tomorrow on Black Friday. But really, any time of year, don't you feel so proud when you leave a store, look at the receipt and smile because you saved more than you spent? #Wonderful! (Yeah, I don't really know what the hashtags are for, but it seemed like the appropriate use...)
17. Board games. They bring together family and friends (well, most of the time). They're basically free entertainment. You can enjoy them without electricity! And they're just plain fun!
18. Edvard - our car. It's reliable, safe, starts every time, is charcoal (so much better than white!), and gets better gas mileage than Gretel (who we finally recently sold; another answer to prayer!).
19. Cell phones. So we can call our families that we can't spend the holidays with to tell them we love them!
20. Our camera. It captures memories for us to remember for our lifetime!
21. Freedom. I am thankful to all who have served our country so that we can live in the USA with so many privileges, rights, abilities, and freedoms.
22. The holidays. Yes, they can be stressful and busy. But they create an atmosphere of hospitality and generosity. They bring us together with our family and friends.
23. Family. I love you! No, I didn't list you individually, there's too many! Each of you is special to me and I'm thankful God put you in my life. I know we'd all like to see each other more, but I'm grateful for the times we do share.
24. My job. It's wonderful. The people I work with make all the difference. I will truly miss them when my time here is through. This job has been a huge blessing to us during our time in seminary!
25. Anti-nausea and heartburn medications. *See Monday Musings: Installment 15!
26. Warm drinks. Hot chocolate, heavily doctored coffee, chai tea. They make me feel warm and cozy and I enjoy them so much during the winter time!
27. Leggings. It may sound silly, but they are SO comfortable (especially in my pregnant state!) and keep me warm. I'm a fan of whoever designed them!
28. Decorations. I love decorating for Christmas-- oh yes! But throughout the entire year as well. It's fun to celebrate whatever season we're in!
29. Mail. I love getting letters and cards in the mail. Even magazines are fun. I'm trying to do better about sending handwritten mail to others. But it's always a joy to receive it!
30. Thanksgiving. Sure, it's a day full of food, the Macy's Day Parade, and ushering us into the Christmas season. But I love how it gives us a chance to reflect on what we are thankful for. I honestly wasn't sure how easy it would be to come up with 30 things in a single shot, but they came quicker than I expected. There are so many blessings in my life and I'm glad that at least once a year I can sit down, write them out, and share them.
To life... full of blessings!
1 comment:
Love you so much, sis!
- your fierce protector ;-)
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