A Year of Gratefulness

2020 has been a year of chaos, trials and tribulations. Like every year we've all had our problems. Unlike most years our world faced a virus that shut down the global economy. No one living has ever seen anything like what COVID-19 has put our world through this year. With the pandemic came fear and confusion, public and personal crises as countries, companies and individuals faced unexpected times of unemployment, loss of income, medical bills and having to adapt to a world we didn't recognize. With all of that, this New Year might be the most anticipated that I can remember. Everyone is ready to put 2020 behind us and pray that 2021 will be a better year.

This year has brought a lot of personal challenges for me as well. There's also been a lot of really wonderful things that have happened. I started the year without a job, I'm ending it at a job I enjoy with people I love. I left a church but I also had to challenge my own beliefs and my faith was made stronger. In addition to that I've had the opportunity to listen to other churches and pastors from around the country and that's been wonderful. I've met new friends, spent time with family and got to be in one of my best friend's wedding. Being a part of her special day was definitely a highlight of my year. I started doing weekly check in's with my goddaughter and that's become something I always look forward to. Hearing about her week at school, the friends she's playing with and the things she's learning is delightful. And I know that it's building the foundation of a relationship that will get stronger with time.

Just before Christmas my grandpa wrote a Christmas letter that he sent out to a lot of friends and family. It included a list of a few things that he's grateful for. Let me share his words with you today.

"#1 Sixty-five years of marriage to my wife, Virginia. I tell people that I have married many beautiful girls, but I have only kept one."

In case you've missed previous posts Grandpa was a pastor for over sixty years. In that time he performed countless weddings so that joke has long been one of his favorites. It never fails to make me smile.

"#2 We have been blessed with five daughters who love us..."

He also listed the names of his daughters and where they all live.

"#3 We are blessed with 18 grandchildren plus 18 great-grandchildren and number 19 on its way, making a total of 36 with number 37 due in June."

I'm #12 of the grandchildren, and I'm so excited to meet my cousin's baby boy who is due in June 2021.

Grandpa went on in his letter to say that time won't permit him to list the number of ways that God has led and blessed their lives. He also encouraged others to list a few things they're grateful for.

My three for this year are simple but sincere.

#1 I'm grateful for my family. My parents are always there for me and I wouldn't know what to do without them. My grandparents are such a blessing to me and I'm grateful for the time that I get to spend with them. My sibling are people that I can be proud of. My nieces and nephews are absolutely delightful. I've been very blessed.

#2 My friends. I have a lot of friends which is a blessing in and of itself. This year I've met new friends, I've reconnected with old friends and I've been blessed with those who have known me for a long time and have always been there. They each bring something unique and wonderful to my life and I'm so grateful for them.

#3 My writing. Although both my blog and my books can inspire a great deal of frustration they also provide a creative outlet that I desperately need. Releasing my first book this year was incredibly terrifying but also rewarding. My favorite part is when people tell me it made them think about their own lives or their faith. Through my writing I can share what the Lord is teaching me, by doing so it makes those same lessons really sink into my heart and life.

So that's the last post for 2020. And for the last challenge of the year I would encourage you to write a list of at least a few things that you are grateful for. 

Also, due to some things that are coming up I'm going to take the month of January off. You know that I've been working on book #2 of the Yagos series and I need some time to focus on that. I'm hoping that 2021 will get off to a better start and I'll be back to share some things at the beginning of February. I have lots of ideas but need a time of rest before I try to write them. Until then, have a happy New Year friends!