Well, it’s almost Thanksgiving and as such I am compelled to pause and reflect on my life with a heart of gratitude. Thankfulness does not come naturally to me. I am a quasi-perfectionist. I am a pusher. I am driven and ambitious. I analyze and evaluate. I also get bored extremely easily – all of which results in an attitude of constant self-improvement, forward thinking and healthy criticism. The truth is, I am rarely satisfied, mostly with myself. I want better… more – not in quantity, but quality, in richness.

Suffice to say, my heart often misses the gifts and blessings that come from a grateful heart. It’s something I desire to pursue more intentionally, a discipline that I need reminding to practice. Thanksgiving is a great reminder, but I deeply desire to practice thanksgiving throughout the year, for my blessings do not only show up on this one day.

All year long I am blessed by a loving, patient and honorable husband.

All year long I have been gracious blessed with a healthy, able body and mind. So many of my loved ones have been fighting disease, cancer, infertility, mental illness and addiction… I am grateful that I have not had serious struggles and have been able to show up and care for those in their battle.

All year long I have not only been kept warm and fed, but I have acquired some beautiful things and have tasted delicious food and wine.

All year long I have experienced great love from my girlfriends who regularly challenge me in a grace and truth. Without them, I would feel lost.

All year long I have been able to utilize the gift of creativity that I have been given. I was able to start working for myself and have learned so much about myself in doing so.

All year long I have been loved by a perfect and holy God.

For all these things, I am thankful.

// Photo from Everyday Occasions by Jenny Steffens Hobick