I have the week off. Vacation looks good on me. I love the intentional time I have to think about things I am thankful for–I really want to prepare my heart and recognize how much blessing my life overflows with. I am not sure one can ever take enough time to think about all the things they should be thankful for, but with the time I have had today, here is a list of things I am currently thankful for:
1. The truth I have realized about my current role at YouthWorks these past two weeks. I finally feel like I have arrived as a Regional Director. I know it took me awhile, which is something to work on, but right now, I am thankful I am here. I am grateful for what I have, and the purpose I continue to find. I am excited about the future and what the possibilities hold.
2. My little car that could. As I continue to work to get out of debt I am constantly reminded of how God is advocating for me. I know my car is ugly, and sometimes a little scary on winter roads, but I see God’s providence in that car. I often make fun of my dad’s ability to repurpose and hold on to things we believe we will never use. My car sat for four years because no one needed it. If it weren’t for that car, I would not be where I am-starting to plan how I want to celebrate this monument occasion. I am also VERY thankful for the confidence I have gained in driving my little car that could. I still don’t buy into “it will be fun and you will enjoy it when you learn how to drive it,” but it slowly moving past tolerable. I love that my car, as unworldly as it might be, is a constant reminder of God cheering me on, and giving me the desires of my heart.
3. 30 and 37 things. As more of my friends continue to hit the big 3-0 I am increasingly more thankful for all that I have been able to experience and the people who have shaped me along the way. I love that my life is filled with purpose, and moving towards being more of the person I want to be. I like looking at my list of 37 or so things for 30 and realizing I am living into them. I am in a good place, and it continues to get better.
4. I am thankful for my family, and where are all at right now. Especially for the conversations I have been having with Kels lately. I don’t think she has any idea how much truth she is speaking into my life, and the freedom she is helping me discover. I am excited for my Joey to have time away from school and continue to prepare for “the real world” that happens after college. I CANNOT WAIT for tree shopping on Saturday. I am not sure I ever feel more fully alive and joyous with my family then on that day. Here’s hoping for a 20 footer. 
5. Learning to live a life not controlled by fear. This might be the greatest accomplishment of the season I currently find myself in.
6. The freedom and connection experienced in the last four months. What a blessing to have too many people I want to stay relationally relevant with. I have so many great people surrounding me, so much talent and wisdom. I feel so humbled by my village, so thankful to get to do life with so many incredible people. I wish I would have known how stuck I was feeling for so long, I wish I could have seen it-but I am also recognizing there are lessons to be learned from that time, and instead of wishing them away, I need to continue to reflect and learn. I cannot throw the baby out with the bath water.
7. Mill City Church, what the Lord is doing there and getting to be a part of it. As a few friends have come to check out the church I love that I am not depending on their opinion to help me see what we are doing is good. I know that we are, no matter what anyone else thinks. I am excited about my leadership roles and being able to live into them, and being a part of the larger community trying to understand what God is doing in our neighborhood and taking the opportunity to be a part of it. God’s faithfulness is everywhere.
8. The intentional time I have found and made for learning more about who I am, what I want, and how my Father wants to utilize me. I am thankful I am hearing the Lord’s voice and the truth I am discovering about myself. I am in a good place to fight some of the lies I have held on to for so long, and holding on to what God says about me.
9. The baptism I have received into Native culture. So much more to learn and appreciate, but I’ve come a long way. I love how my life is being shaped because of these experiences.
10. A bigger plan then I know about, and the trust to hold onto holding out for it. Never did I EVER think my living situation was going to turn out as it has, but now I cannot imagine my living experience without Whitney in it. I love having a roommate I don’t live with. I love the vulnerability in which we have entered our friendship in, and the truth that is being exposed because of it. I will keep trusting, even when it doesn’t make sense perfectly. I will keep looking for opportunities to participate in God’s kingdom.
I am sure their will be more in the days to come. I pray that I can slow down enough to be present and enjoy it. I am so blessed. Wishing you a very happy and laughter filled Thanksgiving.
