thankful: one

lent begins today. i used to view lent as something like a spiritual buffet. i could pick and choose what i wanted, what pleased me; i could observe it one year but, if i didn't the next, it was really no big deal. what i started realizing, though, is that when i did observe lent, i was much more deeply aware of the miracle that comes with Easter. (no surprise there, really.)

this year's lent looks a little different, though. instead of taking something away, i'm going to be pouring something out--namely, my gratitude. because i'm thankful. really, i am. the problem is that i don't tell Him enough. it's easy for me to ask, ask, ask, yet i rarely take the time to acknowledge what He has already done.

so, during this lent season, i'm going to be intentional in my thanksgiving, in my praise, in my acknowledgment of every good gift. and i believe that, in that, i will find even more Jesus. more grace. more joy. more freedom.

today i'm thankful for my friends. they've become my family over the years. they've seen me at my best and at my worst. they cry with me, laugh with me, pray with me. i don't think i would be the woman i am right now without them. today, i spent several hours with my sweet Michelle, talking and laughing and sharing what we're learning and what God is revealing to us. we drank coffee and ate pastries and i just kept thinking how deliciously blessed i am. days like today and friends like Michelle are what make my life so beautiful.

so thank you, Jesus, for giving me these friends. thank you that you reveal your love for me through them. thank you that you give people to journey this road with us. thank you that i see you so real and present in each one of the friends you have placed in my life.