Thoughts on gratitude

I think the way the story that we're telling is unfolding is breath-taking, and beautiful, even the hard parts.

We write beautifully, together. our stories weaving in and out of each other like a patch work of then and nows. And discovering the secret goodness locked in each of us, from long nights gathered around tables and fire places and kitchen islands.

You have keys to my heart now, and i don't want them back. They are yours for as long as you want them because, you see, I've just made space for you in there, your own little corner and i would like you to say forever.

Still, seasons have a way of changing before they've worn out their welcome, and if that is how this story will play out, I'm afraid my heart never be same because your imprint will always be there, there will always be the memory and the idea of you. You will always have space in my heart.

You're  the beautiful people who protect me, and take care of me, and let me take naps on the comfiest of all couches. You who pick me up when my car is broken down. You who heps me put the pieces of my heart back together. You who loved me through the best and worst of times. You who loved me when i couldnt' and didn't love myself. My truth tellers, the people i borrow courage from when i wear your cadigans.

Our stories, well, they're built on each other. And the space you take up in my heart is why i'd walk through fire for you. It's why, i'll gladly stand in the gap for you, it's why i'll always clear my schedule for you. Pick you first, and carry your burdens with you.  it's why no matter how our lives ebb and flow, you are my people. my tribe. my family.

And i think despite what people say about boundaries and normal, what Jesus sees is us loving each other the best way we know how, and i think it's inching the kingdom along, and i'm for that.

And i'm for you. In the additions, in the valleys, in the uncertainty, in the fight for family. I'm for you, i'm running with you, and i will fight with you. Gimme a shovel i'll help you build your trench. then i'll help you climb out of it, because you're absolutely worth all the effort.

And on the other side, when we're older and we're reflecting, we'll be so very glad to be "one of us"

to my Lisa,  To my Kindalls, and Lindstedts and my college tribe of weirdos, you make me better, and no words will ever suffice.

In this practice of gratitude, i hope one day you'll know just how grateful i am for who you are and all you've done.

You're the most favorites.


and these are my thoughts on gratitude