2014, I Love You.

     Yes, I know it's December and Thanksgiving is past, but it's also getting close to the end of the year, which makes me want to reflect on all of the blessings that 2014 has brought. After all, our thanks doesn't have to be limited to the one holiday of the year with the word "thanks" in it, right?
     I'm one of those people that tells myself at the beginning of every new year that x year is going to be the best year ever. I'll have a clean slate. However, the messiness of life never fails to scribble all over that clean slate in a matter of weeks. And I've started to come to terms with that. Life is messy. 
     As a total perfectionist, that's not an easy thing for me to come to terms with. But the truth is, life would be boring without the clutter and meaningless without the slip-ups, even the heartache. 
     At this point, you're probably thinking either, "PREACH" or "oh my goodness, she's ranting." But since we're talking about thankfulness, I have to mention the messiness of life because I'm actually very thankful for it. It reminds me that I'm human, and God's grace is all I need. In fact, God's power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). At our lowest lows, the Lord reveals himself to us and works through us in powerful ways. No matter what, God has a plan for you and me to accomplish infinitely more than we could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Now that is one heck of a silver lining! 
     I have so many things that I am thankful for: college, family, friends, and new relationships. But most of all, I am thankful for God's presence in my life this year and every year along with the joy he brings me each day (even Mondays... those are rough.) I pray that all of you experience a little bit of life's messiness so that you can also get a glimpse of the Lord's power and presence. 
     Okay, okay. I promise I'm done :) This post took a totally different direction than I planned, but hey, thanks for reading! I love y'all and it's good to be back. xoxo Jess.