Thanksgiving in my family is bigger than Christmas. I see more family on Thanksgiving Day than I do throughout all of Christmas. Thanksgiving at my house is huge and it's important. Friends, neighbors, family, and acquaintances pile into my house for a feast. All are welcome. It's wonderful. It makes me happy.
As we are approaching this holiday, I would like to express my thanks. I didn't want it filling up my Facebook, so I thought I would post it here. I'll be honest...I hate when people every day post something they are "thankful" for, yet don't believe in anyone to thank, and are not thankful for that thing the other 364 days of the year. So, here I am, posting out-of-the-ordinary things I am truly grateful for.
Friends--I have some absolutely amazing friends that I wouldn't trade for the world. I've rekindled some old relationships and made new friendships this year that I am truly grateful for. Friends are worth millions.
My passions--I am so thankful that God has given me a passion for Spanish and international missions. I know my passions will be used for wonderful things. I love my passions...they are what keeps me going in life.
My jobs--Yes, I have 3 jobs. Yes, I am thankful for each one of them. These days, I am so thankful that I have a job. Not only do I have a job, I have 2 that I LOVE. My job at the insurance office is such a blessing...they are wonderful to me and are giving me great opportunities. And of course, my job at the church is where I love to be.
Challenges--I have overcome challenges in my life that many of you don't know. I believe challenges are blessings in disguise. I honestly would not be the person I am today without having to overcome those challenges in my life. For the challenges that made me who I am today, I am truly thankful.
Soldiers--I may have a desire to move out of this country, but it does not stop me from being thankful for our troops that are protecting our freedom.
Nicaragua/Misael--I am so thankful for my time in Nicaragua and the pleasure of meeting Misael. Nicaragua is a place that I hold near and dear to my heart and I absolutely cannot wait until I make it my home. I am thankful that God sent me there and showed me my passion. I'm thankful for Misael who forever changed my life.
Food--Something so simple, yet people are starving every day. I am thankful for a pantry full of food to eat at my leisure. I am thankful that I have a full belly when I go to sleep at night.
Housing--I've seen the slums of Nicaragua. I am beyond thankful for a roof over my head, my own room, a thermostat, and a bathroom inside. No one should have to endure the living conditions in Nicaragua and my mission is to change that one family at a time.
Family--I've truly learned that family is not based on marriage or by blood, it's the people that love you and you love the most. I'm thankful for friends that are family to me. It means more than you know.
New beginnings--This year has been a year of change for me. So many new beginnings...a new job, beginning my college career, etc. I'm so thankful for these new beginnings and the change and opportunity they bring.
Animals--Simple, yes...but I am truly thankful for "puppy therapy" and my own doggies at home. No matter what kind of day I have had, my animals always seem to put a smile on my face.
Hope--Hope is what gets me through every day. So so thankful that I have hope for what is ahead.
Future--Simply put, the future scares the crap out of me. Despite that, I'm thankful I have a future and one of endless possibilities.
Safety--I'm thankful for safety...for the fact that I am not injured or sick.
New opportunities--I'm thankful for new opportunities in my life. This December, I have the honor to preach at my church...something I never thought I'd be doing at 18. I'm thankful for these opportunities to explore my passions and my strengths.
Redemption--I am so thankful to live for a God that redeems. I'm a failure, but God forgives me. His grace is unreal.
A vehicle--It's dumb, but being without a vehicle for a while makes you truly thankful for what you have. These days, in this city, a vehicle is practically necessary.
Adventure--I'm a thrill-seeker. I love just about anything that will get my adrenaline pumping. I'm thankful for opportunities of adventure that keep my enthusiasm for life going.
Coffee--I am thankful for this little burst of energy that often gets me through my hectic days.
Role Models--God has placed some pretty amazing role models in my life that I am so thankful for. I don't know where I'd be without them!
