Radical Gratitude

Housesitting!

What a delightful task to sit and watch this wonderful home. It's funny how things work out when Saturday I moved from the Philly house and had no clue where I was going, I was asked to housesit the day starting the day after I move. The Lord knows, yes, he knows.

Although this house is big, and sometimes gets a bit lonely, I've enjoyed the rest in its peacefulness. Also, the Tays left a good portion of food, of which, yes, I am eating.

Finding the Next Season

It's weird thinking that a season of my life just ended. Wow. 

Finding the people you share life with is a pretty significant endeavor, and scary, nonetheless. One never knows how living will be when you live with someone new. But I'm excited to move forward loving Jesus and loving others, all in God's strength. 

I'm anxious to find out where God leads me next. I want to be sensitive to hear His voice and to discern where He's leading me. I don't want to be discontent in the place He has me, but to create the fullest experience in each day. Never regretting a day gone by, but enjoying and delighting in the smallest blessings I've been given. Like Ann Voskamp writes in her book One Thousand Gifts, "To live fully - to live full of grace and joy and all that is beauty eternal. It is possible, wildly." 

The easiest thing in my life right now is to become jealous of everything that is going on with almost everyone in my life. New relationships, engagements, weddings, babies, education and travels. Amazing families and great, close relationships with them. It's hard to sit and watch the blooms of others lives unfold before me. To see the success that others find, and the guidance they were given to get there. I see the gratefulness of those who consider themselves blessed, and I long for the same gratefulness for every single blessing God has given me. I always seem to feel ripped of the blessings. I am not ripped off, I am rich in the blessing of a God who loves me, and who has created my life with beauty and creativity. I am climbing up to receive radical gratitude, and it is a long, painful climb. It is a step up, and often I step down, but this ladder is full of grace. 

Sitting in this big house alone, gazing at this blessed house of riches, I can only imagine the thankfulness these owners may have for the great God they serve. How much long suffering they must have pushed through and how much trust and faithfulness, loyalty and obedience they had to have in the Lord.  This house is a blessing because they are a huge blessing to others, including myself. They have a heart of hospitality, a servant-like attitude, a humbleness, a meekness, and a joyful spirit in everything they do. What an inspiration to me.

My mind is blown. My heart is open. And I am ready to continue this journey in the right way.