thankful thursday 20
I feel like I start every conversation with "It's been crazy." And I actually do feel like it's been crazy in the moment. But as I'm sitting here now, I know some of those moments I just got caught up in life without truly reflecting on what was actually going on. I wonder how many opportunities I missed starting conversations with "I'm so thankful for my life. It may be crazy but I have so much to thank God for." As I settle in to married life and a new city, it's easy to brush off new experiences as crazy when instead I'd like to reflect more on the beauty of it all.
So today I'd like to spend some time sharing what I'm thankful for…
TIME. Even though I can't seem to keep track of where my day's gone, in truth, I have time. Twenty-four hours of it. I have time to live out my life. I have time to eat yogurt with honey and granola in the morning. I have time to spend my evenings with my husband. Every morning I'm blessed with a new day. So I'm thankful for my time. Instead of complaining of how little time I have, I want to appreciate how much time I actually do have. You never know when your life will be cut short, so why not embrace the time and soak in the quiet moments.
FAMILY. For the first time in my life, I live in a different state as my family. I know exactly when I'll see them next and sadly it's not any time soon. But I'm slowly learning how to love and appreciate them in new ways that I never did before. I love that I'm learning to text and email and call them more. I love that I now savor every little exchange with them. It was easy to take them all for granted when I saw them all the time. Now it's all much more precious, and I'm so thankful for this new appreciation of them.
CONNECTIONS. Coming back from Alt Summit, I feel so energized about the connections I made. I can't describe how safe and warm it feels to make real connections with ladies who are passionate, fearless hustlers. They reminded me how invaluable a creative community is and how much I need to seek it out in Birmingham. Making friends here has been slow, but I'm so encouraged by the locals here who are slowly becoming my "tribe". I am so thankful God is providing me with such sweet, likeminded people.
FAITH. That's a doozy. I know faith means a lot of different things to a lot of different people, but for me when I think of faith I think of Hebrews 11:1--"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." I am reminded that I've put my trust in a God who is always faithful. A father who has a plan for me, guiding me through life. When my mom passed away my faith is what brought me through her passing. I knew I believed in Father who ached with me. My God, who gave me peace through it all, is the source of my happiness. And as I face loss again, I know that He will continue to be faithful. I know that I can depend on Him, and I'm so thankful for that.
As I return back to my work, I'm encouraged to reach out to those I love, to appreciate these small moments, and most importantly, to love unabashedly.
Cedar Mountains Wild Horse Range, Utah. January 25, 2015 | Fuji x100s