Gratitude simply means being thankful. Doing this always changes my perspective and helps align my thinking to help keep me in check every time I am tempted to complain about what is not going right. It is important to me to pause and count my blessings. This is not always easy especially when life is doing a number on me, but I purpose to pause and be grateful. This week I want to take some time and talk about the things I am grateful for in this season.

1. God

My faith is very important to me and my salvation journey has a deep meaning to me. God has been a strong anchor in my life, and I have seen countless God moments. I cannot talk about my life without mentioning the hand of God being ever present. God has guided and saved me from so much that I usually do not realize in the moment, but looking back all I see is his constant presence in my life and for that I am grateful.

2. Life

I am grateful for life and the path that I am on right now. It is so easy to grumble about what is not going right in our lives in the moment that we forget all the blessings that life has to offer. No matter where you find yourself right now, you can love your life because it is precious and unique and there is only one you in the whole wide world. This year many people have lost their lives and I am fortunate to be alive and so I purpose to make the most of the life that God has given me. Do not forget to live this life ever present.

3. Family

We have all heard the saying we do not choose family. I believe we are placed in the families we come from for a particular purpose. Different things in our families annoy us and looking from the inside always gives us a vantage point on the inner workings of our families which in some ways biases us. There is family strife that lasts generations and I am aware of toxic families. Family bonds just like friendship can be nurtured in order to grow and flourish. Personally, looking at my family, I see people who give life all that they can in the best way they know how to. They are strong and courageous and do their best. It is never easy for they are not perfect but human. That to me takes strength and I applaud it.

4. My Small Group

I am grateful for a small group of ladies that I am part of. Words cannot express the impact that they have had on my life in this season. The timely words shared, the prayers said for one another and the bond that has been created over the weeks and months of meeting. This has shown me the importance of being part of a small group, where I can belong and grow my faith. This group offers direction, structure and accountability and it was no coincidence that God brought our lives together.

5. Friends

I do not even know where to start with the friends that God has given me. My prayer is that I can give back to them what they have given to me. These friends have stood by me in all seasons of my life in different ways and have had different impact in my life and on my journey. They have encouraged me, prayed with me, served as accountability partners, and have helped strengthen my faith and walk with God and for that I am forever grateful.

6. Mentoring Group

I have been part of a mentoring group of ladies for the past four years. This group was formed after we took part in a mentoring program which is the foundation of the woman that I am today. I have walked with many of the ladies in this group personally and strong bonds of friendship have been formed. I have been challenged, stretched, and grown in so many ways that I have to give others part of what I have been given.

Thank you so much for passing by. Share with me what you are grateful for in this season. Until next time.

~xo~

Kate