Twenty-eight Thanksgivings ago I entered into the world.
Having your birthday on Thanksgiving [every few years or so] is a bit anti-climacitc. I think I’ve had pumpkin pie with a candle stuck in it substitute for a birthday cake a few too many times. It’s hard to have a party since most of your friends are out of town. And, being exactly a month before Christmas, the gifts aren’t always as plentiful. But I digress…
This year has been a pretty big one for me. I’ve had to make a lot of big decisions in my both my personal and work life… I’ve had to face some hard realities, embrace things that were difficult to embrace and make some pretty grown-up decisions. It hasn’t been so easy but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I’m so thankful for all God has done… for the growth that’s happened in my life, the people He’s placed in my life on this journey, and for all of the incredible experiences I’ve had this year.
I get all reflective this time of the year and decided to write twenty-seven things I’ve learned so far. Some of these are serious, some are funny, and many are lessons I’ve learned the hard way. All of them, though, are things I need to consistently remind myself of… which is part of why I wrote them out and wanted to share them with you!
1- God is always faithful.
2 – God’s plan has a funny way of working itself out, even when you don’t think it’s possible. (Matthew 19:26)
3 – Trusting God oftentimes means relinquishing control.
4 – God loves me as I am and calls me His Beloved… on whom His favor rests. (Nouwen)
5 – Passion for God’s house consumes me (Psalm 69:6, John 2:17).
6 – God’s love never fails.
7 – Worship is all of our life lived out as a thank-you to God.
8 – Your family [no matter how crazy or dysfunctional they may be] will always be there, so always be present with them.
9 – Listen to your sisters. They always know better.
10 – The decisions we make shape us, our future, and make us the people we become.
11 – Forgiveness is a gift.
12 – The local church is the hope of the world and its future rests in the hands of its leaders. (Hybels)
13 – Remember to call your mom at least once a week.
14 – The truest friends are the ones who will tell you the truth, even when it hurts.
15 – Real community is often very messy.
16 – The theme of your heart is writing the story of your life. (Brian Houston)
17 – Whatever unlocks your compassion is key to your calling.
18 – Treat everyone the same.
19 – Forget the road less traveled… forge your own path.
20 – Be humble. You didn’t get to where you are today on your own.
21 – Beer really is proof that God loves us.
22 – Be a connector and be generous with your friendships.
23 – Life is too short to live for other people’s expectations.
24 – Formal education is overrated… experience is the best educator.
25 – True freedom comes when you’re able to share who you really are even when there’s a chance you’ll be rejected.
26 – Some battles are not worth fighting.
27 – Being honest with yourself is the first step in becoming who God created you to be.
28 – who knows what this year will hold! I trust God has something huge in store and am excited for whatever is coming next!
