Things I'm grateful for now that I might not have had or appreciated as much a year ago:
- Grace.
- A faith that I truly own. It is not dependent on church or tradition or expectations or other people. I believe because I recognize who Jesus Christ is, how much He loves, and who I really am apart from Him.
- A faithful husband who chooses to love me wholeheartedly.
- Friends who invite me to just come on over to visit, when all I did was call to chat.
- A car that continues to run well, even at 183K miles.
- The freedom to cut toxic relationships out of my life, or at least diminish their place as much as necessary.
- Peace in knowing that God's justice is flawless.
- A dad who I am continually growing closer to and loving more.
- Discernment.
- High-speed internet!
- Friends who have known me for years and years. Particularly those who were around when I was a naive and overconfident 18-year-old, and who love me even more today!
- A pastor who serves with genuine humility, and who challenges me with teaching that is fueled directly by Scripture.
- My pregnant sister-in-law!
- The gift of my inner strength: the ability to keep laughing, growing, achieving, and loving...
- Knowing that who I am is based not on my opinion of myself, anyone else's opinion, or ANYTHING except my worth in God's eyes. I thought I understood that until it was challenged. Now I really get it.
