give thanks always

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It is shaping up to be a frenetic semester. But in the midst of e-mail overload, article after article on religious communication, deadlines, meetings, dirty dishes, forms, and a looming and unknown future, I have continually been returning to 1 Thessalonians 5:16.

Be joyful always;
pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Though I am not certain where God is leading me after graduation, though our kitchen floor needs a cleaning, though I don't know how exactly to direct my senior project, I can know what God wills of me this moment, this day. To be joyful. To pray. To give thanks.

These things are tangible. Wherever I am, whatever I'm doing, whoever I'm talking to, these words can recenter and refocus me. They provide direction for the moment, which is what I so desperately seem to need right now.

So I want to share with you all some of the little -- and big -- ways God has been blessing me -- the things for which I am thankful...

:: deer springing through the air besides the wooded path Jo and I run on

:: the grace to pull myself out of bed to exercise

:: a friend who remembers me daily from the far reaches of New York and speaks words of wisdom and truth into my life

:: supervisors who share their insight with me and guide and encourage me in how I should act

:: people who ask me how I am and truly mean it

:: the smile of a friend across the room

:: quiet moments in the apartment with my journal and Bible

:: the window directly in front of my desk that splays light across my books and lets in a cool breeze

:: hearing the familiar voices of loved ones over the phone

:: the pale purple flowers tucked into a cream mug on our kitchen table

:: Saint-Saen's third organ symphony

:: the conviction of the Holy Spirit

:: the sound of pencil against page

:: lunches outside under the sun and conversations with my roommate

:: anticipation of what life will bring

:: the inspiring faith of two friends who are going through trials and difficulties

:: ice cold water with a splash of lime

:: psalm 131

:: warmth: sweatshirts, my fleece blanket, and steaming mugs of tea

:: the truth that Christ is all, and is in all (Colossians 3:11)

May God continue to reveal to me the multitude of ways He is working in my life and the lives of those around me.
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