Gratitude

I am so full. I took some much-needed time to sit back and reflect on my 39 years on this earth; all I can say is, “God, I thank you” in my Tabitha Brown voice. Let me get churchy for just a second. There has not been a single time in my life that God has not shown up for me. I’m so grateful for my relationship with him, which started at a very young age with my grandmother. She continuously prayed over me, and I’m still reaping the benefits of her prayers.

I’m so thankful for my life. Through all the ups and downs, I can’t express how faithful God has been to me. I’ve been surrounded by so much love. It’s a blessing to have people who want to celebrate you. Who is there through the wins, lessons, and losses?

I celebrated my birthday the entire week. It was by far one of my best birthdays. I didn’t travel out of the country or have a big party. I had a birthday dinner, kickback with friends, a few happy hours, ate crabs, went to a cookout, and caught up on rest. It was perfect. God knew I needed this.

In life, we tend to forget about how blessed we all are. We complain about what we don’t have or have been through. And I think it’s ok to acknowledge these things. Feel how you feel, and process your thoughts and your emotions. Your feelings are valid. But also think about how far you’ve come. You’re maybe not in that dark place you were last year. You’ve sought therapy and begun to do the work. You’ve let go of those negative people in your life; you’ve developed new, healthy relationships; your relationship with God has strengthened, and you no longer pity yourself. That all counts…it all matters. What you learn from your experiences is priceless. Even when it causes pain, it’s all working for your good.

Have you ever heard a story about someone else’s life and you think, I don’t know how they’ve been through all that, and they are still standing? Then you think about your story and put things into perspective; you realize things could be much worse. We’re all figuring life out as we go. We all encounter hardships, but we can't downplay our wins in the midst of it all. If you wake up and have a sound mind, you are winning. Shelter, food, family, love… you are winning. And maybe you aren't where you want to be or where you thought you would be; baby, don't sweat it because I guarantee that what God has coming for you is more than you could have ever imagined, but you have to be willing to do the work behind the scenes. When you do your best, God will do the rest.

I didn't set out for this post to be a sermon, but someone needs this. Doing God's job can make our lives so much more peaceful. We have to trust the process. When you keep trying to fight your battles with your own strength, God will leave you to it until you call on his name.

I give God the utmost praise for bringing my mind to this place of peace. I pray that you all find your peace as well.

LLL-😘