Thankfulness

When you're stressed and busy, it's easy to forget to be thankful. Being thankful requires that you pause for a moment and reflect on things, which I haven't had the time to do lately. It's been an incredibly hectic last few months for me. Still, as I take a breath and think back, I am fortunate enough to be thankful for many things:

I'm thankful for my family, who are more supportive and understanding than I could ever hope for.

I'm thankful for my new coworkers, many of whom have already become fast friends. My workplace wouldn't be nearly as wonderful without them. I'm thankful for my boss, who is one of the most supportive and lovely human beings I've ever met. I am fully aware of how rare and wonderful a thing that is.

I'm thankful for the chance to get to know my students and see into their hearts and minds. I'm thankful that, during my first out-of-state, weekend-long chaperoning trip, my students chose to sit in my room after dinner and have a three-hour conversation about life and faith and identity. That conversation filled me with such a sense of awe and happiness regarding what I get paid to do, and I'm grateful for that. I'm thankful for the fact that they trust me with their thoughts and welcome me into their lives so that I can become a part of watching them grow.

I'm thankful for my best friends who inspire and enrich my life. I'm thankful that even though some of my closest friends live far away, I am still able to be an authentic part of their lives. I'm especially thankful this year to Tori for being my partner in adventuring and for always, always, making me laugh.

I'm thankful that I am able to support myself without constant worry. I'm thankful to have a home and good food and good people around me. I'm grateful to be able to buy myself nice things sometimes (including the amazing new laptop on which I'm currently typing).

I'm thankful for my passions and my drive; for the fact that even when I am tired and depleted, those fires continue to burn.

I'm thankful for my cat, who forgives me for making him live at Mom's house!