Week 14 2014: Gratitude

Regardless of what religion you adhere to, what doctrine you study or what creed you choose to follow, I’ve noticed that one major element seems to span them all: Gratitude.  Gratitude not only improves your outlook, adjusts your perspective, and makes you feel good, it has also been scientifically proven to improve your health.  As I approach the beginning of my birthday I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude, and how very much I have to be thankful for over this past year.  To name just a few:

Family—with you through thick and thin, the highs and lows.  They may not look like you, think like you, laugh at the same things, enjoy the same activities, or live in the same town—but oh my word they love you!  I am so very grateful for my family, and for the unconditional love they have showered on me my entire life.  I have never doubted that I am loved.  NEVER!  For any of you who have noted that I am confident, my family is a huge reason for this….annnnnd for those who say I’m over confident, well blame the fam.  Just kidding.

Friends— I posted on friendship before here, so you can tell how incredibly important friends are to me.  Looking specifically at this past year, I have old friends who have loved me and faithfully supported me through some crazy valleys.  I also made new friends who have brought such refreshing perspective, laughter, and love into my life. For friends both old and new I am so incredibly humbled and thankful!

Work—How grateful I am to work with a team who I actually miss on vacation!  Ok true, I can’t say I missed them riiiiight away (I was gone for the full month of December).  BUT STILL, I was excited to come back to work after my Europe trip, and that is saying something!  I’m so grateful to work beside brilliant people—people who care about the same things I do and share similar passions.  Here’s to serving in a career where our mission is to help others become more!  Tell me that’s not worth getting up for each day!

Challenge—Challenge isn’t fun, it usually doesn’t feel good, and it is often painful.  As I’ve shared before, this past year has held a whole host of them for me to walk through personally.  What I’ve learned in experiencing these many challenges is that each one presents a golden opportunity to learn, to develop, and to rise.  I am not the same person I was this time last year.  I can tangibly see where I have grown in grace, humility, compassion, and courage (and the good Lord knows I needed to expand in all of these areas).  So I bless all the events and happenings that tested my metal, pushed my boundaries, and inspired my growth.

Hobbes—Do you seeee how cute he is?  I mean really, it’s hardly even fair.  On a more serious note, Hobbes makes me smile when I’m happy, licks my tears when I’m sad, and gets me off of the couch to take him for a walk time and time again.  He is quite the companion, and I’m grateful he’s mine.

As I said, these are just a few and barely seem to scratch the surface when I think of the many reasons I have to give thanks.  Reality is I don’t have a six-figure income, a huge house, or wear designer clothes—but my word I’m rich in all the ways that truly matter!

What are you grateful for?  What blessings are currently counting?  What gifts do you have that can sometimes overwhelm you and make you wonder how you ever got to be so lucky in this life? 

Here’s to 38 more weeks filled with immense gratitude!