twenty-seven

I had a tough weekend. But hey, whatever. It doesn’t really matter. Why? Because Jesus is bigger than the actual galaxy and He has a distinct habit of rocket-launching joy-bombs straight into my chest when I feel like I want to quit.  And my dad (he’s the coolest) reminded me while I was curled up under my little quitter blanket that at any given point in my life I have an endless amount of things to be thankful for. So because he’s right and because I need to remind myself, here’s a handful of those things–some serious, some silly, all real:

1. Haribo Gold Bears (I just found out they’re gluten free. We will be reunited soon. Praise Jesus.)
2. My mom, dad, & sister (& soon-to-be brother)–for being the greatest family I could ever ask for.
3. My best friends & their huge love and encouragement.
4. Provision for all the health care and medicines I’ve needed. Hashtag blessed.
5. Sylvan Esso dance parties in the kitchen whilst making breakfast.
6. Late night phone calls that leave you giggling uncontrollably into your sheets.
7. Joy–how it’s real and unique and from Jesus and tends to obliterate hopelessness.
8. Right now.
9. Sleeping through the whole night for the first time in a month.
10. Animals
11. The ability to make music.
12. This video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nH7bjV0Q_44. Watch it now. Seriously.
13. Retainer lisps
14. Archer
15. Houseplants
16. Star Wars VII
17. Jesus & how personal He is with each one of His kiddos.
18. Phō
19. Donald Miller’s Scary Close
20. The color black
21. Ikea’s $1 vanilla soft serve yogurt
22. Big trees spread like blankets over giant mountains. They remind me that I am small and God is big. But even though I am so small and He is so big, He still chooses to romance me with the awesomeness of His creation.
23. Cold weather
24. The opportunity to rest and heal.
25. Dry shampoo. For sure.
26. Lord of the Rings
27. Zesty Nacho Kale Chips from Trader Joes

“Celebrate always, pray constantly, and give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. (This is God’s will for all of you in Jesus the Anointed.)”   -1 Thess. 5:16-18 (The Voice)