- First and foremost I am beyond grateful for new life. The fact that I have been given a second chance by the Creator of the Universe astounds me everytime I think of it. Because, well to be honest, I am nowhere near worthy of a second chance. I am not even worthy of a consideration of a second chance and yet as a Father, God of the universe says "Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and saldals on his feet. Brong the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was adead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." Not only this, but the Father runs to me, meeting me where I am, in my shame and guilt letting me know that through Jesus Christ I am a "new creation, the old is gone, the new has come!" and for this I am forever thankful.
- From that first subject of my gratitude, all other gifts flow (and in abundance)! I am so incredibly grateful for family. I seriously have the best family on the earth!! I don't mean to brag or anything, but what family drives 14 hours to meet their daughter at the airport after coming home from Africa?! My relationship with both of my parents is such a HUGE blessing in my life, something that I so often take for granted. I am so blessed to not only have both of my parents alive and well but also in such an open relationship with them that I can come to them with seriously ANYTHING. I know some people say that, but I mean it, I tell my parents anything and everything. My sister is truly my best friend and one of the few people that I can divulge myself fully to without judgment. I trust her advice, knowing she has been through all this before, and trust her in keeping my best in her interests. She is passionate beyond belief and someone that I dreamed of emulating as a child, and still do as an adult. And then there is Marco. My sweet googly-bear. Even trying to express how grateful I am for this kid brings tears to my eyes (no joke). Marco has shown me a world filled with continual joy, even in the face of hardships, a world without prejudice, and a world filled with unabashed passions! I love each one of my family members more than I could possibly express with words and am overflowing with gratefulness that God would bless me with such an incredible family!
- Extended off of family, I am so thankful for my friends! Both Kayla and Ashton have been instrumental in shaping me into who I am in challenging me to become a better person, expressing my true without shame, and simply enjoying life. All the while, having the patience of a saint to deal with my constant worrying and overthinking of every situationt that has seemed to arise. And on top of it all, these two have gone above and beyond in working to keep the friendships sustained despite over 1,000 miles between us! I cannot say thank you enough to both my Heavenly Father but also to these two for being the two best friends a girl could seriously have!! And then there is Joel, Doug and Nate. 3 of the most genuine, compassionate, and hilarious, dare I say it, MEN that I have ever met! These three are constantly making me laugh and challenging to look beyond myself and meet others where they are, with them setting the example. I am so grateful for Joel's clearly God-given gift of knowledge and leadership and his mentorship that has helped provide an anchor in some serious times of need. For Nate's unending compassion and love for those around him, incredible patience that many of us could learn from, and Doug's ability to listen more than he speaks. Along with Kayla and Ashton, these three have guided me into becoming the person that I want to be but more importantly the person that God wants me to be, all while explifying his grace and goodness and earthly/tangible manners. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
- This one has multiple facets but I am so thankful for the opportunities presented to me. I have experienced more in the last year than some people will ever get to in their lifetime. Not only was I able to fulfill my dream of going to Africa, I also got to go to Hong Kong. And on top of it all, when I got home I was able to attend University, something that so often is complained about and taken for granted in the U.S. This time last year, I was eating chicken (the closest thing to turkey I could get), mashed potatoes, and going to the beach. And so often I find myself complaining about the things that went wrong during my trip. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?! I am grateful beyond words for the experiences that I have had, even older ones such as the adoption of Marco, that has given me a clear purpose in life. I am so thankful to my parents for allowing me to go on the excursions, for allowing me to explore and discover myself and the world around, an experience that has forever changed me!
- And finally, I am thankful for beauty. I am thankful for the beauty found in the lyrics of a Mumford & Sons song, the complex skill of an artist such as Van Gogh, the love between newlyweds and in first time parents and their new baby. I am thankful for the gloriousness of nature, the vastness of the plains and the rolling hills to the lapping waves and stretching mountains. I am thankful for the beauty found in children, the joy that they so often bring into a world that desperately needs it. I am thankful for the beauty of people that no two people are alike and each having characteristics that establish them as "fearfully and wonderfully made". And above all, I am thankful for the beauty of the cross. (I know it's so cliche) but it's true! I am thankful for the beauty of self sacrifice and agape love. A love that is so undeserved yet so freely given and the beauty of it all.
Q: If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?
A: Pilgrims!
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