Thankful Thursday

(For an explanation of Thankful Thursday, go here).

I didn't keep a list again this week; however, this time it was moreso because I was so out of my routine, not because I was stubbornly resisting a spirit of gratitude. Thinking back over the last days with my roommie in Rochester and our week in Baltimore, I certainly have a lot to be thankful for...

-One last dinner date with my roommie. Having the opportunity to pray with her before her transition out east.

-A safe trip to Baltimore.

-Driving across the country in mid-October - the landscape was BREATH.TAK.ING. What an amazingly creative and gloriously beautiful Artist we serve.

-Being delightfully surprised by the non-awkwardness of staying with Chinwe's cousin. He is hands down the most pleasant and interesting cardiac surgeon I have ever met.

- Little girl giggles. The weight of a 5-year-old in my lap with her head against my chest, waiting to be tickled.

-Lunch along the PA tollway with Steve & Laura. So fun to see them!

-Eric visiting me in Baltimore. Listening to his laugh. Sharing a sense of humor with my cousin.

-Listening to the Edeani sisters laugh.

-Hugs from Amaka and the way she always smells so good.

-Seeing my roommie's new apartment and city - being given time to process the reality of her move.

-Having my dad remind me that relationships are worth investing in even though they cause pain.

-Talking to my mom when I'm sobbing, knowing she won't mind my blubbering and that she will somehow leave me feeling reassured.

-Cuddling with Chinwe on Monday morning, having the opportunity to try to find a few words (however inadequate they may be) to express what a joy and blessing it was to live with her for the past two years.

-Extended bedtime hugs. Holding on tight and yet, at some point, realizing you have to let go.

-Walking along the inner harbor - admiring the diversity of people, enjoying the scent of the sea and having lovely conversations with my dear friend.

-Being reminded that it is natural to perceive change as loss, but even Jesus had to leave the disciples in order for God to reveal more of himself through his Spirit.

-The bond of the Spirit that deepens relationships among believers in a supernatural way - knowing that the Spirit is able to provide those meaningful relationships for my roommie in Baltimore and that he will continue to deepen my relationships with people in Rochester.

-The opportunity to pray with Chinwe on my last night in Baltimore.

There were many other highlights and sweet memories from the trip. Thousands of little moments to be grateful for. But more than all of those specific instances, I find I am just intensely grateful for the blessing of the friendship of my roommie - for the ways God has revealed himself to me through her and for the many ways she has enriched my life.

I am also grateful that He is constant. Unchanging. Ever-present. Sufficient. And faithful.

God has indeed supplied all of my needs and in his grace he has given me abundantly more.

Blessed be his name.