I have so much to be thankful for this year.
First (and foremost), my salvation. The grace of God has been poured out into my life. My understanding of the gospel and of what took place at salvation has grown and deepened this year through reading books and having conversations with my (now) fiance. I could do nothing to earn or deserve it. It is completely an act of God. I am so thankful that he chose me before the foundation of the world to be adopted as his daughter and that he brought about regeneration in my spirit.
I am thankful for November 13, 2024 and for the man who asked me to marry him. I am thankful for how God has woven our stories together. This man constantly pushes me to be more Christlike. He has patienly endured through my tears as I’ve struggled with what God is doing in my life this year. He loves me and seeks to care for me well. He loves the Lord and he loves the church. I am overwhelmed with gratitude that he has chosen ME to be his wife and partner in life and ministry forever. And even though it has made for some difficult long-distance months, I am thankful for the pastorate God has led him to, and I am excited to join him there. I am so thankful that my family loves him, that they are excited for this man to be their son, and that they trust him to take care of me, love me, and lead me well.
I am thankful for how God provided this year. I didn’t always see it in the moment (like over the summer when I wasn’t getting a paycheck), but he provided every time. I did not go hungry and I had what I needed to pay my bills. And he brought us a new roommate when our previous one moved out at the end of the summer.
I am thankful for my family. This year our family grew! In July we welcomed a sister-in-law. I adore her, and I am thankful that God brought her and my brother together. And I am thankful for my future in-laws, and the few days I got to spend getting to know them back in June.
I am thanful for the dear friends I am walking with right now. They have enriched my life in ways I could have NEVER imagined. To have them by my side is one of the greatest blessings of this year.
I am so thankful for my church family. As I am preparing for the next season of life, I have been reflecting on what a gift this chruch family has been the last 23 years of my life. They have loved my family. They have given me a place to serve and develop my skills. They have taught me sound doctrine. They have showed me how to welcome visitors well. They have kept missions as a focus. I have seen church discipline done well. I have seen unity among the elders. I have had countless mentors and teachers. I have been trained well and equipped with tools and resources that will serve me well in the next season of life and ministry. (And I have a long list of people ready and eager to help with the wedding – what a blessing.)
I am thankful for my job. I am actually working somewhere I LOVE right now (and will be sad to leave it behind in the spring). I am thankful (daily) for the specific classroom I have been placed in, and for the opportunity to love these kids who can be difficult to love.
I am thankful for the hard work God has been doing in my heart. It is NOT easy or pleasant work, and there have been many tears shed, but I am thankful for it because I know that it is a good work. And I know that God will bring it to completion and that in the end he will be glorified in me as I grow in sanctification.
I am thankful for finishing my degree and for the HUGE show of support from people who came to see my capstone presentation! I am grateful for the way that it all came together after MANY hours working on it.
As thanksgiving approaches, my heart is filled to overflowing with gratitude. God has been so good. He has given me countless blessings, and even in the hardship has strengthened my faith and used those things for HIS glory. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!