Well, it has been a while. I soon wish to do a 3-month recap, because the last few months have been rich with experiences and blessings. But for now, my parents have commenced their journey up to the bluegrass and before they arrive, I introduce to you my "Top 20 Things I'm Thankful for" list:
1) The grace, love, patience, wisdom, and goodness of God in my life. He is the reason to breathe and live. I cannot imagine any kind of passionate life without His peace, power, purpose, and Presence.
2) My parents. With each passing year, I realize that my "normal" upbringing - of two loving parents who don't constantly fight, who are unconditionally loving and yet corrective, who actually stay married, who don't have crazy issues, who raise up me "in the fear and admonition of the Lord," who support me in every adventure God sends me on - actually isn't so "normal" after all. I believe the emotional health and confidence I enjoy in life can be contributed to them.
3) For friends. I believe your life is enriched by the friendships you enjoy and cultivate and I have long acknowledged that God has for whatever reason blessed me with the greatest friends on earth.
4) For bridgeCHURCH. I hear people say on a weekly basis that they have searched all their life for a church like this, and even though I was privileged enough to help start it, I am well aware it is much bigger than us and that we are simply along for the ride. We have many faults and have much room for improvement, and granted I am biased, but to me it is the dream church. I love who we're becoming, what we're learning, the impact we're having, what God's Spirit is doing, and the kind of community that we are creating.
5) Coffee!! Oh let me count the ways...
6) Good food. I love food.
7) For all of my family. I have the greatest family and as I mentioned with my parents, it is something I grow more and more fond of and grateful for with each passing year, and bemoan the fact that I can't be around them more.
8) Good books. The person who said no one's life can be changed by a book is a fool. A book can do much damage or much good. It can enrich one's faith or shipwreck one's faith, and I am so thankful for the wealth of good books available to us today. From spiritual blessing to financial management to nutritional value to simply refreshing recreational fiction. Reading has been a daily part of my life since first grade and has shaped much of who I am.
9) Music. Oh, what kind of magic would be lost to life without music. From anointed worship to punk angst to relaxing melodies to uplifting rifts - anything and everything for every mood, purpose, and season. It is the soundtrack of our lives.
10) For the change of seasons. We often take this for granted. But God has given us varying scenes and colors and temperatures and atmospheres for our own emotional good, and so that we may more keenly appreciate the opposites and extremities.
11) For the many opportunities I have had for vacation and travel.
12) For living in a free country.
13) For my Pastor. He is a best friend, mentor, spiritual leader, and father figure.
14) For Greenville, SC. A rejuvenating place to always come back to with great friends and family and warmer weather.
15) For bridgeGROUPS.
16) For the many opportunities God has given me to operate out of my "sweet spot" - in leading, teaching, preaching, writing, and drama.
17) Speaking spanish.
18) My health. You tend to take this for granted until it is in jeopardy. But I am so glad for every working limb and for energy and wholeness. I am also thankful for fitness and for a gym to work out in.
19) Having everything I need. I may not be rich compared to those who shop on Rodeo Drive in LA, but compared to the vast majority of the world, I am unworthily filthy, filthy rich. I have food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and many, many extras that I do not need. I am thankful.
20) A job. (Actually, two.) Though I am quite restless for the day that church work is all that I have to concern myself with, I am well aware that there are many people who would simply like to have a job at all.
Runners up: laughter, a good pair of jeans, God's creation, a nice massage, prophets and preachers, LOST and the Office...
What are you thankful for? I reminded bridgeGROUPS last night that it is a thankful spirit that drives out many invaders of the heart - greed, complaining, worry, etc. The Psalmist encourages us to "enter His gates with thanksgiving." Thank you God for the life You have given me and for each year, day, and moment.
