As I was reading “Ruthless Trust” by Brennan Manning the other day, I was reminded of the countless people, opportunities, and activities that I am beyond grateful for within my life.
Also, there is a simple beauty in the word ‘gratitude,’ which means: (noun) a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation.
I feel a great level of gratitude toward God and all that He has done and is doing n my life and in the following areas of my life.
God: Simply, my relationship with God and how He has and is changing me to become the woman He desires for me to be.
Family: I am getting closer to my siblings, even though I live geographically apart from them.
Friends: I have been immensely blessed with my homegroup at The Village Chapel and all my friends there. I used to not miss friends when abroad or away, but I do not even want to think about how much I will miss them come January.
Opportunities: Through some non-profits and small companies in Nashville, I have been blessed to use my God-given talents for His glory and kingdom, while having a blast and learning a lot at the same time! 🙂
Finances: Neither have I been this poor nor have I ever been this joyful and happy. I still ache for the pains of those around me, be it friend, family member, or stranger, but I can and do see God’s love and faithfulness.
The Village Chapel: This church family has been an immense blessing in my life. I do not know what I would do without it.
Volunteering: Through various non-profits, I have been able to help out in various sections of the city and with a VERY wide variety of people, which has added so much to my life and mission for God. I find that I am most content when I am serving and loving others–be it with the homeless, immigrants, young unwed mothers, innercity children, planting trees, coordinating events and people, or….
Art/Writing Projects: Since I do not have a 9 a.m.-5 p.m. job as I had earlier this year, I have been able to make more time to draw, paint, write, go to galleries, meet with other artists and gallery owners, and just try a variety of other creative endeavors. All this has led to opportunities for me to exhibit some of my pieces. Which I’ve enjoyed immensely. I enjoy the art/creative scene here in this small city.
New Interests: This list is endless and I am excited to see where and what God is using my (both old and new) interests for Him, now in Nashville, soon with my squad during TWR, and wherever else He leads me!
New Friends: Be it by talking (as usual) at my favorite cafe, Frothy Monkey; feeding the homeless; running at the park; or meeting people at get-togethers, concerts, and galleries–I keep being blown away with new people and new ideas.
—> I am FASCINATED by people. We are all made in the image of God and yet we are all SO different. I am simply fascinated.
A State of Trust: I know that I am where God wants me and I am making strives toward where He is leading me. Even though I will miss my Nash family, I know that I am being faithful in being a part of TWR in January and I CANNOT wait!
A State of Love: I enjoy being single–I often say that I am too busy for a significant other at this chapter in life–it will be hard enough to leave my friends and family in early January. And yet…there’s a love from God, friends, and family that I goes beyond what I used to seek after within a “significant others relationship.” One day, I pray, that I will marry a man after God’s own heart who loves, lives, and adventures passionately, but not today. I am trusting in God’s timing and neither do I want to rush Him nor distrust Him and His perfect will and timing for me, my life, and my future spouse.
Looking Forward, Looking Back: While I have a few regrets and past hurts that I am painfully aware of, I know that I am intentionally seeking after His will and guidance for my life and its direction. Neither do I want to dwell on the past nor do I want to ignore it, for as a good old friend [Christina D. Sedor] once told me, “you’re past may define you, but it doesn’t control you.” I try to embody this as I seek His will for today, tomorrow, and the day after that, and after that…
TWR: While I sometimes waver about this “call” and choice of my going, I KNOW that God is pulling me to go and I am being blessed by being faithful. I am more than relieved that He is faithful to me, even when (or even especially when) I wander and am not faithful. I am prayerfully excited to be broken and utilized for Him while abroad in a few short weeks.
