Yet another blog post not about teaching. They're coming- I promise.
Twenty four things
that I am grateful for as another year of life begins.
1. Good health. God
has brought me out of a dark place. Life is much different and I am so
thankful.
2. Family. I am so
blessed to live close to much of my family, and that makes me so happy. I am an
hour away from seeing Cinderella with my Mom and sisters, and neighbors with my
second Mom and Dad.
3. My dog. You don’t
understand that I own the cutest dog ever. In the world. And I love coming home
to his goofy, tail-wagging, slobbery self every day. He makes me smile when I
feel so far from happy.
4. God’s word and His
promises. Where my words fail, His do not. Though I am full of doubt, sadness,
and fear, his mercies are new every morning. May His words replace my own.
5. My job. Though it
can be SO stressful, I know it’s only because I care about it so much. I am
thankful for principals that back me up, coworkers that help me out, and kids
that adore me even on my worst days. They make it all possible.
6. My kids. They have
a part of my heart, even though they drive me crazy sometimes. But when I drive
around town- it is their faces I look for on sidewalks, bikes, or roads. I scan
newspapers and websites for their names or their families. I spend my money on
them and things for them all the time. I leave work and talk about them- the
funny things they said, problems I am trying to solve with them, great things
that they did. I worry and I pray and I would give my life for any of them,
good day or bad day.
7. Arkansas. I live
in a beautiful state, surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers. Though I don’t
like the bugs, I have a great view so much of the time.
8. Creativity. Though
I am not as great as some, God has given me a sprinkling of this. It makes me
good at my job. It fills bored moments with projects and ideas.
9. My church. It has been
several years since I have truly had a church family to call home. During that
time, things happened that made us both untrusting and burnt out. So I am thankful
to now belong to a church family that is different from any other I have
encountered, in a good way. And I like that they let me hold babies, arrange
large stacks of wood, and throw 80’s parties sometimes.
10. Books. I am
thankful for a love of reading that has never faded. I am thankful that I get
to spend my days buying and reading books for my kids, and for myself. And I am
thankful for another world to slip into when mine just seems too crazy.
11. Jellybeans. Because
that’s what I’m eating right now.
12. Instagram. This
year I was able to start an Instagram account specifically about teaching. Over
700 followers later, I am grateful to be a part of a growing community of
teachers online that share ideas, products, and encouragement with one another.
What a joy it is to have access to all these other people that “get” it.
13. And on that note,
Teachers Pay Teachers. Though I don’t make millions (I wish, right?), I love
sharing the things I make for my classroom and helping other teachers out. And
that little payout I get once in a while helps fund my purse/shoe addiction.
14. Weekends and
holidays. Because I need them and the sleep they give me.
15. Change. Even
though it’s scary and annoying sometimes, I like a good adventure. God keeps us
on our toes.
16. Pinterest. From
last minute dinner ideas to parties and school projects, it’s a lifesaver. It’s
my favorite mix of dreams and reality.
17. Words. God’s
words. Other peoples’ words. Sometimes mine. That God would give us brains to
arrange words into beautiful songs and sentences is beyond amazing to me.
18. Pictures. Because
sometimes it’s good to look back.
19. Friends. There
was a time in my life where I couldn’t really say that I had any close ones. So
I am so grateful that has changed. I am thankful for friends that are family
and have to put up with you. For friends that let you cry and complain and don’t
make you feel bad about it. For friends that let you do crazy projects and let
you be bossy and go out to eat with you. For friends that help you find a
house. For friends that rant with you about work. For friends that generally
like you, crazy hair, crazy life, hot mess self and all.
20. Food. Need I say
more?
21. Road trips. Long
drives piled in the car. Making up stupid new lyrics for Taylor Swift songs.
Listening to podcasts. Complaining about the big fat dog baby in my lap.
Keeping each other awake. Driving through darkness feeling like the only people
in the world.
22. Music. My
constant background noise. My escape. My long shower-taking companion. My
get-pumped-up-for-work songs. My point me back to Jesus times of worship.
23. Josh Samuel.
Husband, friend, bossy-pants, forever love. Who buys me flowers and books. Who
tells me to hurry up when I’m running late (all the time). Who takes me to church
and Target and to see my family. Who lets me hold babies and talk about ten
year olds all the time. Who buys me Disney movies and records HGTV for me. Who
lets me sleep in and stay up late. Who makes me feel pretty and loved and makes
me laugh more than anyone I have ever known. You are my everything on earth.
24. Grace. Without
which I could not be here, typing this. His love knows no bounds and I am
nothing without it. I am whiny and impatient and doubtful. But He never leaves
me, only loves me. That is word-taking, mind-blowing wonderful.
Here's to 24 blessed years and hopefully, more.
