Thanksgiving Deux

So, this was what I was writing at exactly this time last year.

Pretty tragic, yes? I read it and kind of shudder for two reasons:

1. That really was a terrible, horrible time in my life.

2. I'm a spoiled brat.

I'm a brat because I am waaayy better at feeling sorry for myself than feeling sorry for other people or being thankful for what I have.

Which, by the way, is a lot.

So I'm going to tell you what I'm grateful for--in no particular order. Thanks, Megan for inspiring me with your sweet list!

1. Again, reading my thoughts on paper (screen?) from last year reiterated what better perspective I have now. The Lord has grown me a lot this year and made me stronger for all the struggles that came with graduating and becoming an adult and taking on a difficult job.

2. Speaking of struggles, my "struggles," though painful at the time, are pretty minor. Let's be serious. Paul was asked to endure prison, being stoned, being whipped within a lash of his life, starvation, persecution, exile...I think I can handle the rude comments of a 14-year-old.

3. I'm not going to say my family is the best family in the world per se, but that's only because I haven't met every family in the world. My mom and dad love Jesus and have always encouraged us in our faith. They also love each other, very much. I have maybe two students out of 85 that could say the same.

Oh, and my three sisters are like built-in BFFs that have to love me no matter what. HA! I can't write much more about them right now or I might get a little misty-eyed. I suppose that one day I'll love my husband more than anyone else, but right now I really can't imagine loving another human being as much as I do those girls.

4. Yes, my job is stressful and draining and CRAZY, but I have one. For the second full year, I'm providing for myself! I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS!? I know that's just what you do when you get to be a grown-up, but it's still a little exciting to me. Oh, and another thing about my job: I'm never bored. Never, ever. AND I get a lot of paid vacation. At first I was pissed because we only get 8 days off for Christmas, but I still get eight. days. You probably get like 3 and you are silently hating my face.

I digress...

5. Ms. M is another teacher at RMS who began with me last year. She has prayed with me countless mornings, prayed FOR me more than that, laughed with me, cried with me and encouraged me. Not only is she a dear, dear friend, she is a living reminder of God's faithfulness.

6. I have been so blessed in my friendships. SHOUT-OUT TO ALL MY PEOPLE!!! Y'ALL ARREADY KNOW WHAT IT IS, YA DIGG??! But no seriously. No matter where I've gone, the Lord has surrounded me with kind, fun, interesting, encouraging and hilarious people. I know everyone says that their friends are the most amazing people on earth blah blah. And I guess I'm just going to be another one of those people. But I know the women I was around in college challenged me and sharpened me in countless ways (and continue to do so today!).

7. I'm probably leaving off a lot, but it's bedtime. Which brings me to my final acknowledgement of gratitude. Buckley, my two-year-old golden retriever is blinking sleepily at me from the foot of my bed. Oh, if only everyone were that excited to see me when I walked through the door! He is the best and most cutest little dude ever. Wonderful company, if you ask me.

Which you didn't.

But now you totes think I'm a crazy dog lady.

What if I told you I was?

Would you still read my blog?

Ok. I'm done with this cheesy post. And I meant every cheesy word.