Gratitude in the Journey

I’m not writing a traditional ‘what I’m thankful for’ post for thanksgiving. Nope. Do I have a lot to be thankful for? Yes, yes, yes.

But today I’m focusing on my journey of gratitude. How it’s evolving. How it’s different. How I’m changing. And the not-so-great things I’m giving thanks for.

My journey of gratitude started probably in 2005 when I really started to see God change in my perspective. He went from being this BIG God who I didn’t know to this person I began to conversate with on a regular basis.

Our relationship grew and grew. Before I knew it I mas madly in love. Didn’t want to spend a day without him. Didn’t know how I’d face a difficult situation without him. This was how it was supposed to be. It felt good. It felt right.

My journey got more of a heartbeat in 2011 when he started laying a big-sized God dream in my heart. I wrote down my thoughts. They seemed so big and unattainable. But they wouldn’t be God dreams if they were attainable. Towards the end of 2012 God instilled in me a desire to start a blog. Where did that come from?

I don’t know how to write well? What the heck would it be about? I know nothing about blogging or running a website. But God saw me through every tear and every minute I spent trying to get this blog up and running. He led me to believe in my strength and perseverance. At various times I wanted to give up. It cost me time with my family. Fights with husband. And money.

But I walked by faith knowing this is what God wanted for me. I couldn’t see the big picture. I still don’t know everything that’s to come. But I chose to obey when I didn’t even know why I was doing what I was doing. People would ask why I started a blog. I couldn’t say anything but that’s what I felt I was supposed to do. And even more strongly I knew that if I didn’t do it I would be living in disobedience. Which is far from where I want to be living.

So my blog got announced to the public in June of 2013 after 4 months of groundwork. I prayed about it’s purpose long before then. I shared recipes and life’s dull moments and some of my hangups. But as September rolled around I felt the nudge to something else. God wanted me to get away. Away from all my usual comforts and out into the real world.

So I began praying about this. Where I would go. Who I would help. And I went out and found people to help. What  a journey it has been.

I never ever would have looked at my life 10 years ago and envisioned that this where I would be. But I’m here and I’m grateful.

It’s true what they say. God’s dreams become your dreams. I can’t go places now and not think about people and how I could help.

I have been met with some opposition. So will you please pray for me? Prayers for open doors, new ideas and the resources to accomplish everything I need to. Thanks so much I really covet the prayers of my fellow believers.

God has me on a journey that includes gratitude and reaching people and it’s only the beginning….

This thanksgiving my heart overflows.

I’m truly thankful for stupid disagreements with my husband. It makes me learn to value the opinion of others and the value of commitment.

I’m thankful for the pure chaos that children have brought into my life. It’s true. Do I love chaos? No, but they have sass and spunk and hopefully one day they’ll use it for the Lord’s sake.

I’m truly thankful for detours. I love seeing new places.

I’m truly thankful for leaves to rake and grass to cut. It means I have a yard to call my own.

I’m truly thankful for my gas hog SUV. It means I have the freedom to go where I want and take who I want.

I’m truly thankful for rainy days. I makes me appreciate the sunny ones so much more.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and don’t forget to count your not so wonderful blessings too!