In honor of Thankful Thursday, I’m thankful for:

• Our community group:  Last night we had dinner together and discussed James 1:2-8.  We are a loud, funny, and honest group.  I also love having that many people piled into our living room, and I’m realizing that I used every seat in my house (and even improvised by busting out a chest).  It’s about time to buy some fold out chairs or install bleachers.
• My neighbor, Deva: I have an elderly neighbor named Deva.  I’ve been feeling the nagging that she needed a friendly visit, but every time I would come home her lights would be off.  I finally saw a light and went out of my comfort zone to go talk to her, even when I could tell from the window she was in a moo moo.  Turns out, we both shop at Aldi and both have similar perspectives on spices (and how we don’t replace them year after year).  I’m hoping and praying I don’t let the communication fall again, it really seems like she needs someone.
• Jesus: Even as I write this one, I feel like I’m going to be judged for cheesiness or it’s going to seem like the correct answer for a Christian.  But when I look around at my life, I realize that Jesus always puts things into perspective.  I can always have peace and joy in any trial – because I believe that it’s not about me.  That’s a huge blessing, and I hope that fact becomes something I could begin to live by.
• People I work with: I love the people I work with.  I love that my new office was termed the “Lisaquarium” and that my coworkers drew Nesse and other sea creatures on the glass cubicle that I work in. I love the lunches we have and the jokes that are never ending.