Thankful Thursday

It's taken me longer than usual to compose a Thankful post this week.  It's been a difficult week, a difficult couple of weeks, but my lack of posting isn't about a lack of gratitude.  It's just that it's been hard to put into words all of the things for which I am giving thanks right now.

I'm thankful that God has allowed me to be close enough to catch some of Angela's tears on some of the worst days of her life.

I'm thankful that at the end of a draining week, Erin showed up unexpectedly in my office just in time for lunch.  A hug has never felt so good.

I'm thankful for "TV Show" circle booths crammed full of faces I love and times when I really do get to feel like it's enough to just be me.

I'm thankful for Saturday afternoon cookouts, swimming pools, toddlers, and reminiscing.  And opportunities to see just how far we've come.  And, for how fierce Suzanne is when she compliments me.

I'm thankful for two solid years of Commons Church.  For Ashleigh's creativity and willingness to let me drag her into the craziness I got myself into!  She's really good at tying apples onto strings. She also makes some scrumptious comfort food.

I'm thankful the Bezners offer their home and their family to me as a refuge, even when I don't take advantage of it.  And that they don't rest until they're sure I know they're serious about loving me well. 

I'm thankful for Erika, this week's recipient of the meltdown tears.  I'm thankful that she pulled over on the side of a Mississippi road to listen while I finished crying rather than continue driving and risk dropping the call in the middle of that mess.  Yes,  you read that right.  I was the one crying behind the wheel in Texas, but she was the one pulled over on the side of the road waiting me out in Mississippi.

I'm thankful for Lorenzo who listens with far more patience and compassion than I deserve most days.  I'm certain he didn't know what he was getting into when he moved into the office across the hall a couple of years ago.

I'm thankful for the dinner plans I just made with Becchi, and for how just the thought of her, her birthday, and the 20 years I've known her makes me smile with more memories than I could ever put into words.

I'm thankful I get to have lunch with Dodie today.  I'm thankful for her and Jake and their faithfulness to follow the Lord even when the call is unexpected and surprising.  I'm thankful for how her faith strengthens mine.

I'm thankful I got to see Hinky this week, thankful for the husband he is to my Angie, for the daddy he is to my Addiegirl, and thankful for how when he makes me laugh it's always an irrepressible fit of giggles that comes on at the most inappropriate times and makes my sides hurt when it passes.

I'm thankful for the Essells.  For the home in which I live.  For the hospitality I've been shown and have opportunity to show others.  Thankful for I get to host my mom and Travis and Jill this weekend.

I could go on and on today.

I'm thankful for God's Word and how it's been my strength and comfort and delight and how in sharing some of the passages that have meant the most to me, I've felt connected to others with whom those words resonate.

I'm thankful for music and for songwriters who find ways to say what I can't put into words.

I'm thankful that when the liar in my head starts yelling his spiteful deceit, Truth has a swift and sure reply, providing a solid foundation on which to stand.

I'm thankful.  I'm thankful.  I'm thankful.