THANKFUL

I am thankful every year and I do my best to try and be thankful every day (though I fail more often than not), but this year is exceptionally different. I love the season of Thanksgiving. I know people often rush past the holiday and move on to Christmas (not gonna lie, kinda me this year), but Thanksgiving brings so much meaning to both believers and non-believers. As I get older, I realize the many blessings God has gifted me thus far and I thank Him for His gracious generosity and goodness. Here are some things that I am so thankful for this year:

+ The opportunity to know Jesus more. I get it....2020 is and was not the year for people, but for me, it gave me the chance to learn more about the goodness of my Savior. One of the attributes of Christ that I've grown to love so much is His unchanging nature. It is such a comfort to know that He is the one that will never change, fail, or disappoint. I put my hope in this.

+ My husband: servant hearted, tenderhearted, goofy, thoughtful, kind, patient, and compassionate. I am so thankful for my husband. I've heard it many times, but it's true....it is so good of God to give me the best husband ever. I know that it was not because of my doing, but because of His goodness and kindness. Not only does E love and care for me well, but he is a wonderful and loving son, friend, and brother. Seeing his tender love towards his brothers, mom, and dad is a great example for me in showing me how to love others well. My husband has been my biggest blessing and I love him so.

+ My parents and in-laws. E and I are so blessed to have parents that are constantly inviting us over. We never leave empty handed and they are always so excited to see us. We have the best parents ever and we are so loved.

+ Our apartment. Man, this place has really become our home. We've grown and learned so much about one another in this space and it's so sweet to make our own memories here. I love waking up next to my husband, washing dishes together, watching our favorite shows together, and getting ready together in the bathroom. We live in a humble home, but it is perfect for the two of us.

+ Our jobs. I'll admit, I complain way too much about my job. Mine is stressful and his is too physically demanding, but at the end of the day, I am thankful that we both have a job that brings steady income.

+ Our wedding day! It happened! 

+ Our brothers and sisters: Nathan, Jasmine, Gabe, Savanah, Michael, Samuel, and Caleb. It is SO fun to be around our siblings and E and I love hanging out with them. I am thankful for the double dates that we have with Gabe, Savanah and Jasmine and Nathan and I am thankful that we get to spend one on one time with each brother - whether it was just for fun or an opportunity to listen to their hearts. 

+ On the topic of siblings, I am very grateful for my sister-in-laws. They are each uniquely different, but I love them for that! Our relationship was something that I was praying for this year and it was definitely an answered prayer. My sisters are funny, kind, and sweet. I learn so much from them.

+ Quarantine, specifically in the months of April and May. Yeah, those months were hard, but God gave me so much quality time with my family. Those really were the moments that can't be made up and I'm glad to have spent them with my mom, dad, and brother before I had to leave and cleave. God knew.

Tears come too easily for me these days, but crying is really all I can do to express how unbelievably thankful I am. I am so undeserving, but I thank God for His endless love and goodness!