Gratitude

Tonight, my heart is full of gratitude. Over the last few weeks, my spirit was in a continual 'crying out mode', where I was seeking answers, purpose, clarity, and peace. Looking back I was rarely still and quiet before the Lord. Then after this weekend, I finally experienced being still before the Lord and it was so life giving. Yesterday, "Just Be" was the the theme of the day. Work was again another busy night, but I had many moments to just "be" me before my coworkers and my patients and it was sweet. I'm finding myself more and more comfortable there. Thank you Jesus!

Today was a day off. After a few hours of sleep, I headed to spend the afternoon with Ryeigh so Ryan could get out to do some work. One of my commitments during this time away is to give of myself to Ryan and his family at least one day a week. Its such a privilege and blessing to be so close to them and serve them in love. We laughed, we played, we napped and we ate together. On my way home, I stopped at the mall to buy a new cell phone, and a few groceries at the store. And now at 1140 pm, I'm cozy on the couch journaling and watching the US Open. Not to mention having enjoyed a little bowl of ice cream.

The events of my day causes thankfulness and gratitude to rise in my spirit. What a time this is for me! Thank you God for freedom to be me in a new place. Thank you for a schedule that allows me time off to give to others. Thank you that I'm able to make day trips to see Ryan, Amanda, and Ryleigh. Thank you God that you are providing for me in every way. Thank you God for the quietness of the evening, for the freedom to sit and watch tennis. I'm quickly reminded how things will change in the future...when a husband and children will compete for my attention, when the quiet is not so quiet, and my time is not so free. Thank you God for loving me enough to allow me to step out of what Ive come to know in Lancaster, to experience a freshness and a glimpse of something new. Thank you for your presence in my life, for your hand on my back, gently leading and guiding me through the challenges, confusion and questions in life. Thank you for not letting go! And thank you for ice cream!

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker."