Two years ago I started doing something on a daily basis – making intentional time to be thankful. I started this when I moved to Korea, fearful that I would wake up sad, getting into a funk and miss opportunities that the Lord would have for me that day. I would wake up in the morning and say 5 things I was thankful for.
Starting my day off in thankfulness allowed me to really gain perspective on how blessed my life is. I’ve continued this practice and have even had feedback on how to do it better. I now write down 1-3 things I’m thankful for, and then write down something that may have happened that kept me from being even more grateful that day and then I work out a solution to how, next time, I can combat any negativity that comes my way.
So for example:
1. I’m thankful for my family and friends (easy one).
2. I got in a bad mood because of traffic on my way to work (always).
3. Next time, I should use that time in the car to reflect or listen to good music and relax (easier said than done).
You get the point.
It’s been extremely rewarding doing this daily, and it’s really allowed me to be introspective and keep me out of daily funks. I have kept this routine since arriving to India and have been journaling daily on things I’m thankful for.
This is a blog of thankfulness, to keep me accountable, and for me to personally have to look back on and laugh when I think things are rough.
There is always something to be thankful for.
August 3rd, 2017 (Leaving for ATL, Launch!)
Today I leave for Atlanta. I’m so thankful for my family and their deep love for me. They believe in me and are proud of me. I couldn’t do any of this without them. I’m thankful for my friends who have supported me and encouraged me since day one – even though I was leaving them (again)! I’m thankful for God’s grace and His protection over me when I was weak and led me through the darkness to where I am now!
August 4th, 2017
I am thankful for my squad. I love the people God has placed beside me on this journey. They are encouragers, listeners and hilarious adventure seekers. I’m so lucky that I get to learn and grow from them this year.
August 5th, 2017
I’m thankful of the mentors that have come alongside us throughout this journey. Their patience and loving dedication to us is a direct link to their connection and relationship with the Holy Spirit. Learning from them is something I will truly cherish this upcoming year.
August 6th, 2017
I’m thankful for my team. I’m thankful for their vulnerability, willingness to listen and learn and the ability to produce hilarious “The Office” gifs during Bill Swan sessions (Sorry, Bill!)
August 7th, 2017
I’m thankful the battle has already been won. That I can walk out now in victory. Whatever comes against me has already lost and is fearful of me. Not the other way around.
August 8th, 2017
I’m thankful our flight arrived undamaged today and we were all able to make it to Qatar safely!
August 9th, 2017
I’m thankful that we skipped this day in the air! Haha Traveling through time is fun!
August 10th, 2017
I’m thankful for rest. Having the opportunity to rest my body so that I can be mentally and physically strong and happy was the most amazing part of today. Jet lag is real you guys.
August 11th, 2017
CC taught me how to play four chords on the guitar this morning! I’m on my way to learning a new skill and I’m really thankful for her!
August 12th, 2017
Honestly, things can be simple.. I am so thankful for my knotty body ball that I packed. Haha! My back is literally killing me and that little ball has saved my life! Thanks, Dylan for giving it to me! You’re the real MVP!
August 13th, 2017
I’m thankful for having teammates that will stay up late with me to read the Bible, pray, and speak Truth when everything seems really really scary.
August 14th, 2017
Today we played games with the staff members here at our ministry location. Funny, silly games like relays, balloon toss etc. really got our spirits up and I can speak for everyone that we were excited to be included in the fun.
August 15th, 2017
Thankful for transparency with my team and their willingness to go first and to listen. I shared my testimony tonight as well as things that I’m currently struggling with. They met me with so much grace and love. I love these girls so much. I finally had a breakthrough and I’m so thankful for it.
August 16th, 2017
I’m thankful for God showing up. He came through the eyes and hearts of children in India, to show me that He’s here – with them, with me, loving us all.
August 17th, 2017
I’m thankful that I was able to step out of my comfort zone and pray for people. I’m thankful that I was able to experience village life and see the real needs of the people living here in India. My perspective is being changed and I’m thankful.
August 18th, 2017
(1) For quiet time and the ability to re-charge.
(2) Laughter and accidental tuk tuk flirtation (Sorry, Gabby!)
August 19th, 2017
I’m thankful for my mehandi! Getting out of our compound to explore the town we are living in was so incredible! I love getting to ride around a feel like a local for a little bit. Oh! And I’m thankful for my Chupa Chups (sour candy) hehe.
August 20th, 2017
I’m thankful for team time where we are able to try new things and say things that we may not totally understand. Having a team that let’s you work out things in your head, even when you’re confused is amazing. There is so much grace and love here!
August 21st, 2017
Being able to tour the school and learn more about the organization, the kids, and how the schools are all partnered together was really interesting. It is really nice to understand our ministry and see the fruit from the good works they are doing in the lives of the children coming from the villages.
August 22nd, 2017
We got to swim in the Bay of Bengal! Ah! God really showed up today. I feel totally full and alive!
August 23rd, 2017
I’m so thankful for the hospitality of the families we met in the village. Their expression of love toward us really opened my eyes and gave me a new perspective of what it means to serve and love others well.
August 24th, 2017
I am thankful for our time in the village and for meeting some of the kindest people. My heart is truly full. My entire perception of India has changed because of this place.
August 25th, 2017
I’m thankful for my quiet time with God and for Him answering my prayer. I took my first big step in obedience today to stop following my own selfish heart and the ways of the world. I know that trusting in God’s plan has to be better than what I’m doing.
August 26h, 2017
I’m thankful for our team time tonight. We sat up on the rooftop and watched the sunset while worshipping. It filled my soul and was exactly what I needed.
August 27th, 2017
I’m thankful that I had the courage to say ‘yes” and share my testimony. Because of my yes, I saw immediate fruit and a bigger picture of how God wants to use me in the future! Feels so good!
August 28th, 2017
Our team was sick, so we stayed home from ministry today. We had ‘introvert time’ but together! Ha! I know it sounds stupid, but my quality time bucket was filled, even though we weren’t actually speaking, just sitting next to each other. Ah, it was perfect! Introvert time is rare on the WR.
August 29th, 2017
I’m thankful for Jayamma and her family. She taught me what real faith looks like.. I want faith like hers.
August 30th, 2017
I’m thankful that we were all able to overcome the unbearable hear! (104 degrees!) And still do ministry with a smile on our faces. And I’m thankful for laughter.. so much laughter! We played this stupid laughing game that had me literally rolling on the floor with tears in my eyes!
August 31st, 2017
I’m thankful that our last day of ministry was incredible. We played with the kids so hard and left all of our love out there. I’ve never sweat so much in all my life, but it didn’t even matter! Haha, it was amazing!
September 1st, 2017
Thankful that I have siblings that are so cool and that the internet was working. My sister and brother-in-law were on HGTV’s Tiny Home – Big Living and I was able to stream the episode! It felt like I was hanging out with them. It was amazing to see my niece and fur nephew too! I love seeing my family living out their dreams and doing positive encouraging things with their lives!
September 2nd, 2017
Today is our last day at our ministry site. I’m thankful for the time we have spent here. I’m thankful for all of the people we have met and how much they have changed my life. I’m also super thankful that we are taking a train back to Hyderabad and not the sketchy bus. Haha! Lesson learned!
Next stop – Nepal! And I’m sure I’ll have so much to be thankful for there! The mountains are calling (Himalayan to be specific) and I must go!
