I have been fairly reflective lately. I think part of it has a lot to do with being a mom, but I also think a lot of it has to do with personal growth - both mentally and spiritually. Our church has been doing a series of sermons on hope and finding your hope in Christ. It has forced me to look at life in a new way and evaluate how I would handle some very difficult circumstances. I hope that I would approach problems and trials in a manner that would be worthy of my Lord, but most days I am not so sure. However, I know that He still loves me even when I screw up, and that gives me the hope and confidence to go on and try again!
So ... in no particular order ... I am thankful for ...
- parents that love me, my husband and my child. Parents that have tried to give me the world, and I now know that feeling as I try to give the world to Sarah.
- friends that are supportive, make me laugh and always know what to say to motivate, encourage, or kick my butt into gear!
- a job that I enjoy (for the most part) and co-workers that have become much more than just someone to share office space with.
- a husband that I love more than life and that loves me back. a husband that i can be silly and crazy and cry and laugh and every emotion in between with. a husband who after almost 4 years of marriage, i love more than the day we married and cherish our time together
- a daughter that brings me more happiness than i deserve. a little girl that says mama and reaches out to me, a smile that can bring more joy than i can ever describe
- the opportunity to see friendships grow and develop into mature relationships - and not petty aquaintances
- the opportunity to share with another one about what is going on in my life and know that they will respect what is said and not judge
- little lives that ended way too early, but still had a life-changing impact on me and many others
- in-laws that accepted me into their family and love me as if I were one of their own
- seeing my grandmother on thanksgiving, even though i am secretly fearful that it may be the last. having my grandmother see and know Sarah Mae (part of her name).
- my church family and how i am challenged by what my pastor preaches
- my small group from church and how our relationships have grown over the past year.
- the families that i work with and how they teach me to appreciate simple things and to not allow myself to get caught up in materialism and wealth
These are just a few of the things I am thankful for today. The HOPE staff are the only ones at work today, so it is much more laid back. Therefore, I may actually make more than one post in a day ... shocker!!! :) Enjoy your black Friday and get busy wrapping my gifts!! :)