Thanks Giving

This last week was so hard at work.
I don't know if it was because the little girl I work with was out for a whole week or what...but she was extra stubborn and extra distracted. It was hard for me to remain patient with her. There were moments that I would look at her and think, if you were my kid, you would be in so much trouble right now. But, the week is over and now I am on vacation...and it feels fantastic!
I started off my vacation with seeing the latest Harry Potter movie in the theaters...and boy, did that start things off right! The movie was so good...and kept to the book pretty well. I was disappointed in a few things that were left out or changed, but overall, it was amazing.
I have many projects and things I want to get done in this week off...including pulling out my Christmas stuff and getting it up as soon as possible! We are planning to get a tree right after Thanksgiving and are going to put Christmas lights up on the house. It's going to be such a wonderful Christmas this year!
But most importantly, I want to stop and remember to be thankful for everything in my life...the good and the bad. Thankful for the opportunities I've had this year. Thankful for the people who've stayed in my life...and those who have recently come into it. Thankful for the fact that I have a roof over my head and a car to drive. Thankful that we have food to eat and jobs that supply all our needs. Thankful for the college group and the young people we have coming each week. Thankful for our church family and the blessing they have been in our lives. Thankful for the sacrifices our forefathers made to come to America all those years ago to establish a free nation (no matter the state it is in right now...it definitely started off great). But most importantly, thankful for the sacrifice Jesus made for me, for all of us, all those years ago on that cross. I can't imagine the person I would be today if I hadn't made the decision to follow Him.
This year has been a tough one, full of trials, tears, and hardships. But it's also been a great one, full of laughter, growth, and amazing conversations. I wouldn't trade anything that has happened, because it has made me the person I am in this very moment. Yet I strive to live my life better, to serve my Lord better, and to be the best me I can possibly be. Because I know that living in fear or worrying about what's to come is not going to do me any good. I have to live for today, for the opportunities God gives me each moment, to serve and love Him and His people better. And that is how I am choosing to live this week...and hopefully the rest of the year.
If you are taking the time to read this, I am thankful for you as well. Many of you have been on this crazy journey with me this year and have read or heard about many of the things I've experienced. For the fact that you've continued to read this blog and the fact that you've stuck with me through it all...you are a blessing. It's much easier for me to process my thoughts by writing them down...and you have read them. Thank you.
This week of vacation is going to be fantastic. Bring it on.