Thanksgiving

Every year Thanksgiving comes and goes so fast that I feel like I don't take enough time to just sit and reflect on all that I am truly thankful for. For a person who sits around a LOT, it's a waste not to focus at least some of that time on all the positive things in life that I have been truly blessed with. I don't expect anyone to read this rambly post, but it's a good chance for me to list some of those incredible things...

-First and foremost, I am so grateful that God gave up his Son to die for me so that I can live. I know I don't deserve it, but I guess that's the beauty of grace. I know I'm not always a "great Christian" (I hate that phrase..), but I am so grateful that God loves me as I am and that I am able to have a relationship with Him. I can't imagine trying to get through life without the Holy Spirit's direction and the confidence I get from my relationship with Jesus.

-Secondly, I am thankful beyond words for my family, specifically my parents. I knew from an early age that I was loved, valued, and beautiful. They allowed me to choose my own path and supported and encouraged me every step of the way. My parents taught me how to find joy in life and the importance of loving and respecting others. I hope and pray that someday I can give my children even half of what my parents have given me.

-I also have an incredible group of friends, for whom I am eternally grateful. It is so rare to have the kind of support, love, and friendship that I have in my life. My friends are my world. As we have grown older, I love watching and supporting my friends doing the things that God has called them to do, and I am grateful for the support that they give me as I follow my passions as well. I could go on about my friends for pages, but that might be another blog at another time...

-Bev is a fairly new addition to my life, and I can't imagine a future without him in it. I've never been in love before, and I hate to admit it, but I'm not exactly perfect at it. I am so grateful that God has brought him into my life, and I know that he is the man I am going to spend the rest of my life with. Bev has been so incredibly patient with me, loving and affirming me every step of the way, even when I didn't deserve his kindness. His genuine, compassionate heart and goofy, easy-going personality is exactly what I've been looking for in a soulmate, without me even knowing it. Being single has not always been easy- and I know that relationships aren't always easy either- but God is faithful and good and I am so grateful!

-I'm eternally grateful to MOKA for all the lessons I have learned in the past 3 years. Actually, this is more of a shout out to God again, since I remember a time a few years ago when I had no idea what I was supposed to do in life. What a terrible feeling- not having a passion and feeling a bit purposeless. I stumbled into a job at MOKA, and it didn't take me long to discover my true passion in life. People. I have been blessed to meet such incredible people through my work at MOKA and learn so many valuable lessons (another blog...), and I am so grateful to have a passion, an interest, a purpose. I know 'people' is kind of vague, but it has opened up so many doors and brought so much joy into my life that I can't begin to describe it. I won't be at MOKA that much longer, but the people I have met and the things I have learned will go with me forever. God brought MOKA to me at just the right time in life, and I'm so glad.

-I'm also very grateful for the Ganderson. Megs and I have built a home here, and I love it. We have two snuggly kitties who bring joy every day. Megs is a true friend and an incredible person, and I've learned a lot about communication and friendship through this experience. I know I won't be here forever, but I consider it home and so blessed that this all worked out so well.
I'm also thankful for financial security in such a crappy economy. Obviously, this is all changing very soon with my upcoming internship, but I have faith in God that this part of my life will continue to work out, just like it always has.
I'm thankful for opportunities. Travel. Grad school. Coaching. I've been blessed with so many opportunities, and I know that not everyone gets to experience what I have. God has been good to me, and I want to make sure I am not only thankful but that I at least attempt to pay some of that back.

Tomorrow I leave for West Virginia with Bev. Lots of time to relax, play games, eat, and do nothing, and I plan to force Bev and me to reflect on the real reason for Thanksgiving. "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (2Cor9:15)