gratitude...

This month has been full of friends sharing the list of things they're thankful for on Facebook. Some may argue we shouldn't have to wait until a particular Thursday in November to be thankful. Others may celebrate the chance to really stop and be thankful, especially as the pace of life continues to speed up. 

I want to do both. I want to be thankful every day, but I also want to set this day apart to really stop and soak it in. 

I will always be thankful for my faith and my family. My faith has probably grown more in the last 15 months than it has in a long time. God continues to challenge me and push me to dig in closer to Him. It is my instinct to fall into myself and those around me and He keeps calling me out. Since moving, I've been blessed by my parents' church along with plenty of other sermons from solid pastors/speakers like Steven Furtick, Andy Stanley and Lysa Terkeurst that challenge me to keep pursuing Him first. 

One of the biggest reasons for me to come home was to spend more time with my family. If I didn't receive confirmation when I had the chance to go to the first three Ravens' games with my dad, I was reminded when 16 of us went to dinner for my dad's 70th birthday. Those are the moments I missed the most when I was in NC. It wasn't the end of the world when I wasn't here, but it meant the world to me to be able to be here, especially for such a cool milestone. I want to be here for my family when we're hurting, when we're celebrating, and everything in between. 

At the same time, while I'm able to be here for all those things I've missed in Maryland, now I'm missing them in North Carolina. Too often, I wish I could be two places at once. As thankful as I am for an opportunity to reconnect with friends and family in Maryland, I am just as grateful for my friends in North Carolina who haven't forgotten me. It's so easy for time and space to come between friends. I know it's only been a few months and next Thanksgiving I may be singing a different song... but today, I am thankful for my friends who have helped me during this transition... I've had good days and bad days, but it is such a comfort to know I have people I can call/text/write/FaceTime/e-mail and celebrate the good or vent the bad. 

I'm thankful for my new job that gave me a fresh start and more flexibility on nights and weekends. I've been working hard to reclaim my life and find hobbies outside of work. One of my favorites has definitely been playing soccer every week. Every Sunday night I get to reconnect with former (I would say old, but we're in denial) high school teammates and take out some stress on the field. I love the competition and just being back on the field.

I want to be thankful for my house even though it hasn't sold yet. I know this isn't an ideal time to sell (and not lose money) and I don't want to become bitter about it. I have a lot of great memories in that house and I will always be grateful for my first house. I am absolutely thankful for my parents' patience and understanding while I crash at their place during this "extended" transition!

I'm soaking in and stocking up the gratitude today in hopes it will exude from me all year long.