A Countdown of Grace

This past Sunday, I celebrated my twenty-fifth birthday amongst family, friends, and laughter. It was my best birthday in years because of all the wonderful messages I received from well-wishers, not to mention the fun we had ( karaoke in a private lounge with the girls)!

Before the day came, I had determined to journal a list of the things that I was

most grateful for each day leading up to my birthday. I decided I wanted to share that with you here because I believe gratitude is a powerful form of reflection and worship.

SIX DAYS TO TWENTY-FIVE

Six days to twenty-five

What I’m grateful for the most is a body that works:

Eyes that can see the world’s wonders

Ears that can hear melodies of creation

Feet that can feel the earth’s heart and walk

Lungs that fill me with life

Hands that can reach out to others and can also write

A brain that functions well

A mouth that can speak life and profess God’s outstanding love

A heart that believes the atoning work of the Lamb of God

Beating steadily without break

Six days to twenty-five and I am grateful the most for my body.

FIVE DAYS TO TWENTY-FIVE

Five days to twenty-five

What I’m grateful for the most is family.

Unconditional love from parents

Caring sisters

And heaven-sent friends who stick closer than a brother.

Your support means the world to me

It is no coincidence that our paths crossed

Or that our stories are authored by divinity

For such a time as this.

Five days to twenty-five and I’m grateful the most for my family and friends.

FOUR DAYS TO TWENTY-FIVE

Four days to twenty-five

What I’m grateful for the most is…

As you can see, I never completed the countdown (we’re being honest here).

It’s rather unfortunate I didn't complete this little exercise the way I wanted to, but, because I didn't pre-plan what I wanted to write each day, I simply cannot authentically create new, poetic entries for those missing days now. 

I will, however, bring to remembrance things that I am deeply grateful for in my life as of today. I don't want this exercise of gratitude to stop just because my 25th birthday has come and now passed.

Amongst many things, I am grateful for:

1. Opportunities – graduating college with little to no major problems, especially relating to finances and mental health.

2. Hope – that reaches out, shedding a light into the darkness and uncertainties. Surely none can survive without hope!

3. Healing – of my body and mind. Old wounds are healing perfectly; scars are not so jarring. I am enjoying the peace in my body and mind.

4. Faith – I am truly thankful that I get the privilege to believe in the creator of heaven and earth, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. His love lasts forever and His mercies last a lifetime.