After reading a few blog posts today, though, I was inspired. I was inspired to look a little deeper and really search my heart to what has truly made me more grateful this year. Maybe think of the not so obvious. So here goes.....
1. I'm thankful for my dog, Jackson. He's 11. He's a rascal. We can't let him in the house anymore when we eat because he's a blatant food thief. He doesn't get along well with any other dog. He's constantly under my feet. And I just love my little old man of a dog. He's really quite a beautiful dog. He's super smart, too. A pest at times; but he's my loyal sidekick. I know he won't be with us forever. I'm just about ready to cry as I type this. He was my first love (besides Andy, of course). He's given us so many funny memories of his naughty antics. My kids call him JJ. He's a nut job; but he's my nut job.
2. I'm thankful for friendships renewed. I reconnected with college girlfriends this summer. For four days in Pennsylvania, we stayed in a bed and breakfast together. It was a renovated farm house in Amish country. It was gorgeous. I hadn't seen many of them in 13 years!!! We picked up right where we left off. Those girls know me in a way that no one else does. I love them with all my heart. They are part of the reason I am who I am today. That was such an unexpected gift. I am truly grateful for that experience.
3. Facebook. Ughhh!!!! Facebook really annoys me sometimes. There is a lot of oversharing that gets under my skin. But............... I love posting random funny things about my kids. I love seeing pictures of my friends and their kids, especially those who live far away. I like, in some way, being a part of loved one's lives when we just live too far away from each other. I can't call every childhood or college friend or a friend who has moved away on the phone each week. That would be impossible. Facebook does let you keep up with them. I just think we need to pick up the phone, too.
4. I'm thankful for loud children. There is a lot of screaming in my house. I'd say 50/50 happy/frustrated. But to me, the screaming (when it's happy) means there is joy running around my house with it's pants off. When it's not so happy, it just means we are living life. My house is full of life, happiness, tears, giggles, messes, silliness, biting (this is the new development), chaos, sweet tender moments. I love it all. It makes us, us. I wouldn't change it for the world. Though a day of pure silence would be nice!
5. I am so thankful that both our parents are a) alive b) married (one for 40 years, the other 38) c) live in town (Andy's live 2 blocks away) d) are strong Christians who have passed down the legacy of the Gospel to us, their kids. Who are imparting this wisdom and truth to their grand kids. Greatest gift ever.
6. My sister, Patricia, is my prayer warrior. I know my mom, my dad, my in-laws and friends pray for me as well. My sister, though, should be wearing armor. That girl knows how to get on her knees. I love her "impossible prayers" because God is a God of impossible prayers. She lives too far away.
7. My husband, my daughter, my son. They are my life. I'd do anything for them. They love me unconditionally. They make my heart beat. Words can't describe the depth of my love. They made me the parts of me I love best, a wife, a mother. Besides my worth in Christ, they pretty much make me who I am.
8. My identity in Christ. That truly makes me who I am. I can't separate being a Christian from being Jen, the mom, the wife, the teacher, whatever. My faith is not a religion or thing I do. It defines me. It's my reason for walking on this earth, breathing each breath. With out Christ and his salvation, this life would be it for me. There would be nothing beyond that. I'd have no real purpose, no real joy, no real hope. Whatever I do, whether it's cleaning the dishes, writing a post for my blog, raising my kids, loving my husband, it all comes back to who I am in Christ. He's my Heavenly Father. He loves me more than I can comprehend. He has a purpose for me being here on this earth. Each day for all my days. It's not always the same. He shows me His will for the different parts of my life. One purpose never changes, though, and this is to give Him glory. To praise Him. To worship Him.
9. I am also so thankful that God doesn't give me what I want all the time. I don't know what's good for me most of the time. He does, though.
10. And to end this on a funny note because hey, why not? I'm thankful that I'm almost 40! Ouch! Typing that actually hurt. Why?? Well besides knowing I will have a party that is off the hook (Yup, I just said that.), I'm a bit relieved. I used to think 40 was so old. Pashaw! I feel like spring chicken! Ok, most days I feel like someone should push me around in a wheel chair. But really, there is so much more I want to do in life. Places I want to go, memories I want to make, things I want to accomplish. I feel like I'm just starting.
There is so more to be thankful for. This has been a good place to start.
