What I am thankful for . . .

I wrote earlier this week encouraging you to write down what you are thankful for to help keep focus on God and all of the blessings He has given us.  So, here is my list.  I wrote both to keep my focus on God, but also to remember to pray for all those who don’t have even the basic needs that we take for granted.

I am thankful for a roof over my head, clothes on my back, food on the table, transportation to get around, and a few dollars in the bank.

I am thankful for my family, both the one I was born into and the one I have chosen.  I am thankful for my wonderful husband and my amazing daughter.  I am thankful for how I am able to see the world in a new and fresh way through her curious 2-year old eyes, and experience the way she innocently loves everything around her.

I am thankful for my wonderful group of friends.  I am thankful for how they continue to encourage me, pray for me, and challenge me.  I am thankful for the times of laughter and conversation.  I am thankful for the ways they put up with my quirky type-A personality.

I am thankful for my spiritual and professional mentors, Kriss, Mary, Henry, and Jerry.  I am thankful for how they have challenged me spiritually and encouraged me to think about my job, and ministry as a whole in new and different ways.  Rest in peace Henry, you were such a blessing to so many!

I am thankful for my job, both the joys and challenges.  I am thankful for how I have the blessing to be able to share the love of Christ with people every day in new and different ways.  I am thankful for how people have invited me to be a part of their lives during some of the most joyous and most challenging times.  I am thankful for the creativity, blessings, and focus on God that my job provides.

I am thankful for my church family, Living Hope.  I am thankful for how they stood up for what they believed God was calling them to do, stepped out in faith, and continue on this wonderful journey that God is leading us on called Living Hope.  I am thankful for the wonderful way they care for one another in large and small ways.  I am thankful for how they are always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it.  I am thankful for how they reach out with the hands and feet of Christ and want to continue to grow into the disciples that God is calling them to be.

Most of all I am thankful that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God bless, Rev. Liz Arakelian, www.LivingHopeEC.org