Thankful Thursday

 

Happy Thursday, friends! I am excited to bring back Thankful Thursdays, even if it comes to you late. I am out of the habit of blogging on Thursdays, so it may take a minute to get used to this again. I'll jump right in! Here's what I'm thankful for this week:

• the never ending love and mercies of God, because no matter how busy life gets and routines change, I know He is right there waiting for me to spend time with Him

• The Bible Recap community—my time is shorter now in the mornings, so I like to listen to the Bible being read to me while I get ready

• music—I listen to it all day long when I'm not at work!

• my family, all of them from my sons to my mom and dad to my siblings. I try to talk to all of them regularly! I've got to make a plan to go see my Noah soon. It's been way too long!

• my friends, even the ones I don't talk to that often because of life. I know they're all right there, I just have to make the time to reach out and make plans.

• my friends that are also now my co-workers. I've gotten so close to them all, and I love the bond that we share and have formed during our lunch breaks! I can't remember life without them and don't want to, honestly.

• my job that I love so much. I love the people I work with, and I adore the students! They're always such a bright spot in my day.

• plans after work—I like to be busy after work most nights, but I also love the one night a week I give myself to stay home. That night is tonight and I am here for it, friends! I have grand plans of washing my hair and watching a movie while I work on a blog post for tomorrow.

• Last but not least is Chris—I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this sweet man that's in my life. I love how different he is from other people I've had in my life; he is such a kind man who comes to me like I came to him: a little bit battered and leery. We're figuring things out, though, and we're continuing to move slow. I look forward to the times I get to see him on weekends; he makes me laugh a lot and he makes me feel seen/adored/cherished. All of that is new to me and I love how we enjoy being together. (I love that he's old fashioned and formally asked me to make things official with him last weekend while we sat across from each other at dinner. I also love that he is as affectionate as I am and can't be around me without holding my hand or pulling me close to his side.)

I shared this with him yesterday, because isn't that what we all want? I think that for many years I took my marriage for granted; I just assumed he'd always be there. I think we all do that, after a certain amount of time goes by. One thing I've learned from dating in these middle years is that I can never take anything for granted again. 

Time is different for me now; I don't have my entire life ahead of me, but maybe...just maybe...I have my very best years ahead of me. Maybe this will be the very best phase of my life, the one I never dreamed would be possible a few years ago. Whatever happens, however it turns out, and whoever it's with...I am thankful for the journey I've been on to learn some things about myself. I say this with excitement for my future, even if I don't know what is to come. I was telling this to the Lord yesterday as I was getting dressed: even if I never remarry or if I end up single for the rest of my days, I know that He will care for me far better than any human being. He's my Father, and He's my Husband; He will never leave me or disappoint me. I have this assurance and this hope in Him! He is trustworthy, and I know He is directing my steps.

What's something you're thankful for this week? Thanks for being here to read my blog today, friends. Love to all!

Jenn