work conversations.

"what's the oldest you'd be willing to date?
"43."
"that's a really specific number."
"that's how old donnie wahlberg is."
blank stare
"i'd date donnie wahlberg."
"oh. you should write him a letter and tell him that."

pondering gratitude.

Gratitude is like a river that is ever flowing...

Gratitude keeps our attention on God's goodness to us. It makes sure we never forget that we are loved. When we neglect it, we start focusing on ourselves, on our own achievements, on our own desires – but none of those things can satisfy this fundamental need of our soul.

November does it to all of us I suppose. We think about what we're thankful for. It's easy to be thankful when you're standing atop the Empire State Building on Memorial Day at Midnight. It's easy to be grateful when you get to see your favorite musician play before your very own eyes.

But it shouldn't be harder to feel grateful when your long term and short term future for that matter seem so unclear. It shouldn't be hard to feel grateful when you're still living in your parents home trying to figure out your life and make ends meet. The same amount of gratitude should exist under all circumstances. For their is life in my lungs and hope in my heart, even still.

I'm thankful for all moments. Each one of them have something to teach, wonder to offer, hope to stir, joy to complete, and pain to heal.

I'm thankful for the time to think, to ponder the unknown path ahead, to take joy in the wonderful people I've yet to meet, to learn endurance and hope can sustain through the darkest valleys...simply thankful.

my list of gratitude: