2010, quite a year. And here we are, back at the start of another exciting holiday season. I’ve always loved the hustle and bustle of shopping, the belt-busting feasts, and holiday spirit being shown by decorations both at home, at malls, and my particular favorite, in downtown areas (San Francisco specifically). But at the same time, as Emily told me one evening at Red Lobster, we should never forget to remember that the most important aspect of the holiday season is to remember how we have been blessed and to be thankful for all we have been given. And yes, its been a tough year for everyone, including me, but nonetheless, theres still much to be thankful for.
First off, I am thankful for still having a job. Yes, God came through for me in a tremendous way late September, when my temporary job was supposed to end. At the “going-away reception” held for me and other employees, a pleasant surprise occurred when we were told that more funds were available and we were asked to stick around for longer. I was amazed and overjoyed and I thank God wholeheartedly for continuing to provide my needs despite the tough environment were in right now. I am also very thankful for all the little things that I still have in addition to my job all thanks to God: a roof over my head, food to eat everyday, and money still in the bank.
I’m thankful that God pulled me through school this year and got me to graduation. The homestretch wasn’t easy and there were a lot of hurdles through my school years, but I got through it thanks to God. And I’m also thankful for all that God helped me with after graduation.
I’m also thankful for the community that God made me a part of and particularly for Xaris Church. I love all you guys! I was very blessed to be a part of many experiences as well as opportunities to serve God through my community at Xaris. I’m also thankful for Emily and how she’s been a very significant part of my life, both before and after we got together. I love you Emily ^^. And I’m also thankful for my own family, my mom, dad, and sister, and how they wholeheartedly loved and supported me all my life to this day. I love you ^^.
God has put me through a lot of experiences this year. Some of them joyful, and some of them tough. But regardless, God has helped me grow and understand so many new things this year and I’m so thankful for God helping me get to where I am today. I’m still growing, I’m still a work in progress, and there is still much to be done, but God is good.
The thing I’m MOST thankful for, is the fact that God never left me, regardless of how many times I messed up. And boy, I messed up hard in so many ways this year. My spiritual life taking a dip and plateau was indeed a big one. The fact that I put God on the back-burner so many times this year wasn’t a good thing either. But God’s grace is so amazing and so abundant, that He never leaves you and never gives up on His children. Just like my own parents loved me regardless of how I screwed up, God still loved me just as much regardless of many times I messed up. And it wasn’t until later this year when I realized it, and I’m so thankful just for God’s TOTALLY amazing unconditional love, His grace, His mercy, His protection, and His provisions. Just thinking about it now is touching my heart so intensely and I just want to say, “God, help me grow, help me live more like Jesus, and help me more and more bring you into my life. I love you Lord.” As Paul prayed for the Ephesians:
And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (Ephesians 3:18-19)
So this holiday season, lets all be thankful for what God has blessed us with! Btw, feel free to share anything in the comments section. As Paul said to the Thessalonians:
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Be sure to check out my holiday feast photos and tips on my Eurasian Epicurean blog in addition to holiday air travel tips on my Eurasian Aviation blog! Happy Holidays!
God Bless ^^.
