Give Thanks

   I go home tomorrow. My dad is picking me up tomorrow afternoon. It is crazy to think back to all of the times that I have made the trip home and back throughout this year and now this will be the last time I go back until I go home for the summer...time is flying. I am eating strawberries and drinking raspberry lemonade as I sit on the top floor of the library by a big window overlooking the lake below. The sun is shining bright today and is shining over the homework that is laying on the table in front of me. As overwhelming as homework can be at times, I am realizing how much I love to learn and the sense of accomplishment I have when I have completed an assignment well. I am wearing my favorite cardigan today and no coat because it is so gorgeous outside! I brought out the bright turquoise flats today too, exposing my tattoo that has been hibernating all winter. It is such a sweet reminder to me of the peace that I have in Jesus Christ wherever I go and in any circumstance I face. 

   These are just a few of the precious, simple things that I have recognized as gifts from God today. Last week in chapel, we had a speaker come in and talk about giving thanks to God and recognizing the work He has done in our lives. It really got me thinking of how often I let these gifts pass me by without offering my thanks up to God. I know a lot of people that journal and recognize God's work in their lives through reflection in their writing. Others I know keep a list of things that they are thankful for. They refer to the list in times of difficulty as a reminder of the many blessings that they have in their life. Personally, I have been writing down one thing I am thankful for each day on a post-it note and putting the post-its above my desk so I can see them every day. I write down something that God has revealed to me or taught me that day.
   When I look over at the bright colored post-its every morning when I wake up, I can't help but smile as I remember how faithful God is to me. It is always exciting as I anticipate what I will experience that day and what will end up on the post-it note that night. When I go to bed, it is always encouraging to look over to my desk and see all my post-it notes, each one representing God's work and presence in my life; the joy, love, and peace He brings me in so many different ways.

   Every day we are given is a reason to be thankful. God provides us with exactly what we need exactly when we need it. It is difficult to do this at times, but we are called to give thanks in all circumstances. We worship a faithful God; He is so good. Each day He gives us is filled with His blessings and His grace. When we take the time to recognize these things in our lives, the difficult times are not as tough because we know that our God is looking after us, continually blessing us. God's purpose for us is great. We have a reason to praise God for all He has done in our lives and all that He will continue to do in us.