Romans Eight Twenty-Eight

The neat thing about this blog, is that it has provided a creative outlet for me over the past five or so years. When browsing through past entries, it ceases to amaze me how much I have changed and grown over these years. I am humbled by the trials, struggles and heartbreaks I've written about. I am humored by the various adventures I have embarked on. I am comforted by the posts about individuals who have made a difference in my life. Who have loved me and supported me through the ups and downs. I am inspired by accounts of hope, joy and friendship. I marvel at my beautiful life. Forever changing. Ups and downs. Tears and smiles. How beautiful it is to be alive.

Just the another night I had an "aha" moment, when I realized the past two or three years of been periods of tremendous growth for me. I look back at who I was, and at times, I no longer recognize that girl. I have blossomed into a lady ... one whom I am very proud of ... one who I admire. Heck, I may not have it all. And I may not embody all of the traits I desire. But I really like me. I like who I've become. I like where I am going. I know who I am and whose I am. I do not have everything figured out - but I am okay with that. I am living in the moment and trying to live each day to the fullest.

Just last Thursday, I hosted my first Thanksgiving. And the next day, I purchased my first car. I am twenty-six years old and half way through graduate school. I have a career that I love. I career that I am passionate about. I am somehow managing to keep a roof over my head and food on my table. I am saving for the future and paying off college debt. I have a loving and supportive family. I have loving and supportive girlfriends. I am healthy and vibrant - the possibilities for my future are endless. I can only dream of what the future entails ... what it has in store for me.

And I realized ... that is what I am thankful for this year. My last post was so generic ... borrowed ideas from another author. But they were not my ideas. They were not from the heart. I took to my blog Thanksgiving morning ... and could not find the words to properly express what it is that I am thankful for. But tonight ... I found them. The words bellowed out of my chest, onto my fingertips and finally into your hearts. I am so thankful for the blessings in my life.

Sometimes I loose sight of all the good that is occurring in my life. The daily stresses and frustrations of life bog a girl down sometimes. My heart sighs heavily with grief when I remember I am still up for grabs in the marriage department. But I no longer wish to be someone I am not. I no longer covet the traits of my peers. I like who I am. I like whose I am. And that's something within itself, because it took me a hell of a long time to get to this place.

Twenty-six has been interesting. To say the very least. But I am liking it. 25 was a hell of a year - a life changer for sure. That year was monumental for me in so many ways. But I am beginning to realize 26 [and 2015] may have that effect on me too.

So raise a glass ... here's a toast to being Thankful. Not only during the month of November. Not only at Thanksgiving. But all year long. And I also raise my glass to toast the month of December. Here's to remembering to give thanks each and every day. To appreciate good company. To praise God for the the blessings he bestows upon us daily. And to good faith ... keeping hope alive ... keeping our chins up ... knowing that everything is working out for our good. [Romans 8:28]