a little thanksgiving...

There is snow on the ground and the wind is howling. For the first time this morning, I’ve come to realize that I will wake up to this winter wonderland more times in the next month than I have in my entire life. It certainly is different here. But I’m thankful. I suppose Thanksgiving has that effect. I appreciate thanksgiving in that it is a slow and thoughtful holiday. Usually, my family spends the entire day together, eating, visiting, playing football outside, taking naps together, recalling what has transpired in the last year, and of course, eating again. Apart from the ominous pile of dishes in the kitchen awaiting our attention, the day passes slowly, free of agendas and stress. I wasn’t able to go home this year. Though, I did see one of my cousins and her husband’s family in Wheaton. We chatted and laughed about transition awkwardness and adjustment woes, as we both recently moved away from Georgia. It was refreshing to see a familiar face. It was refreshing to relax in community firmly established, instead of having to create it. It made me excited to go home in a few weeks and be with friends and family once more.

Though I am anxious to return home, I am thankful to be here. I am thankful to learn from professors who are wise and have renowned reputations. I am thankful for new friends. I am thankful that new places often bring challenge, dependence upon God, and humor. Whether, it’s the many strange encounters with the Starbucks boy, who thinks I am someone he knows and has a crush on; an increased awareness of my personal idiosyncrasies, sin, or strengths gained from my classes; the frustration of continually not knowing where I am on the road; silliness that comes from classroom crushes; or weariness that comes from homesickness, each aspect is part of God’s plan for my life. Each aspect is good and deserving of gratitude. So I am thankful to be here, even if I do wake up to snow each morning.