Isn't it a shame how one thing we don't have can distract us from everything we do have? I realized this week that I had forgotten I have so much to be grateful for. The future is approaching rapidly and I've noticed my days turning a little too robotic, because while I was going through the motions of everyday, my mind was elsewhere. My mind has been in a cloud of worry and pity. I've mentioned before how much of a planner I am, so it's killing me to not know where I will work, live and many more unanswered questions that I simply won't know until I know. But, I keep reminding myself, God knows the plans for my life and I've been given more and more evidence throughout this semester that I have no reason to not trust Him. So I sit and wait patiently (or as patiently as I can :)
I think it's important to take a moment everyday to reflect or journal on all the things we have to be grateful for everyday. I believe it makes us happier and more present when we do so. This week, all of the technical problems we were experiencing at work were finally resolved! It feels so good to be able to fully do my job again. God also surprised me mid-week with a job offer! Without disclosing too much, it would be a really great opportunity for someone right out of college- I have lots to pray and think about. It's a little overwhelming because I wasn't expecting it, but I'm so grateful for this offer, and I know God will guide my decision and footsteps.
This weekend was my first full weekend in the city- which is kind of crazy being I've been here for 6 weeks. Between going to Michigan and going home (to Des Plaines) I had not had a full weekend experience (Friday night - Sunday night) in the city yet. I am so grateful for the friends God put in my life through the Chicago Semester experience. We have been able to encourage and be there for each other in this unknown time.
Friday night, a group of girls and I went to get sushi for dinner at the corner of Dearborn and Grand (if you know the city and care to know where it was). I've only gotten sushi one other time before, so it was a fun, new experience with new friends.
On Saturday, we were blessed with gorgeous weather! One of my roommates and I had breakfast with a new friend who made breakfast for us at her apartment- it was delicious. Afterwards, I got coffee with some old friends our family has known for as long as I've been alive. I love catching up with old friends over my favorite beverage, coffee :) I took the rest of the afternoon to walk around downtown by myself and enjoy the weather and blue skies. I must have walked in at least 10 stores, and (my dad would be proud) didn't spend any money haha. I had it on my mind to walk as east as I could and look out at the horizon.
That means walking to edge of the pier at Navy Pier. So that's exactly what I did. With no one around, I stood at the tip of the pier and looked out at the crystal, clear, blue horizon and prayed about the future. I must have been out there for about 20 minutes, but when I turned around there were a lot of people who must have thought my idea looked fun haha. That night, a group of girls and I played some fun board games. My favorite was
'What Do You Meme.' My stomach hurt after 10 minutes of that game!
On Sunday, I walked to my favorite church with some new friends and then we got pizza afterwards near Printers Row, downtown. The weather was again gorgeous! After lunch, I met another old friend who I haven't seen in a while at a coffee shop in Wicker Park. Again, always so so good to see and catch up with old friends :) When I got home, I Facetimed one of my best friends who's still in Michigan. I discovered that when we Facetime, my week always seems to start out on a high note :) Sunday night, I lead our Bible study on Psalm 123. I'm definitely not a gifted leader, but my hope by starting this Bible study was to provide, for those who wanted, a safe and peaceful place to talk about what's on their mind and meditate on God's loving Word.
And here we are! Monday afternoon- starting week 7 out strong :) I encourage you to take a minute everyday and reflect on what you're grateful for. Are you healthy? Do you have friends? These things may seem small, but they are nothing shy of a blessing or something to be grateful for. Remember that while it's fun to think about and plan for the future, we're not even guaranteed tomorrow. And if we live too much in the future, we will miss the beautiful things God is doing for us and to prepare us right now.
What are you grateful for?
Commentaires