Thankful For:

Thanksgiving is back again, and I remember how much I love it. I love the cooking with Mom (or sometimes in the past with good friends). I love eating with people. I love talking after the feast. I love just hanging around and listening and living with these people, knowing that I have no responsibility for today other than to know them and love them well. It's great.

Yet sometimes I forget that Thanksgiving is actually about being thankful. So I wanted to make a list of ten things I'm thankful for today. God has given so much.

1. For Christ's love and grace that flows into a secure relationship with Him... man, I take that for granted so often! It has become even more sweet (if that is possible) recently. Beautiful security and rest.

2. For my husband. This is our first holiday as man and wife, and I'm mushily, crazily grateful for him. He makes me smile and laugh. He comforts me and is so wise. He relaxes me like no other. He is the best team with me. He serves me so well. And he's so much fun.

3. For my family. My parents and sister are so wonderful. I think back to the last 15 years of my life, and I have often underestimated the gift they are. I miss them now when I live in Portland in ways I never thought I would.

4. For friends who have supported me and walked with me through this transition in life. Each lady in my wedding and the wonderful mentors as well.

5. For people who have believed in me and taken a chance on me in ministry. Empowering me and encouraging me. I'm so grateful to be part of a ministry team again.

6. For a church community where the Bible is the foundation of our lives. It is refreshing and wonderful.

7. For my health to be so good in this season, as there have been many harder seasons. His blessings are so good, especially during this transition.

8. For jobs for Matt and I so that we do not have to worry where food will come from. I know that God knows our needs no matter what, but He has been so gracious to provide for us now with these jobs. And ones that we enjoy.

9. For a new family in Claudia and Kali. I'm looking forward to the next holiday with them.

10. For the gift of studying what I love and almost being done with my degree.

I think sometimes that I have the best gifts in life. How could I be blessed with so much? A Savior who loves. A man who loves like Him. Pursuing a degree that I nerdily adore. Working in a job that I feel so privileged to do. Taken care of so well.

Happy Thanksgiving.