Unexpected

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Happy Thanksgiving to those who are celebrating here in the US. Regardless of location or holiday plans/participation, I hope we’re all getting the chance to spend some time with loved ones this week and reflect on gratitude. Even though no shortage of “I’m thankful for…” posts exist these days, I couldn’t let a year go by without expressing my own gratitude.

This year, I find I’m most thankful for how things didn’t go as planned.

Our Home: We started 2013 with a couple of headaches and new problems popping up in our old home. It only added to the numerous issues we had already spent many hours and hard-earned money resolving in the six years living there. At the start of 2013, I envisioned a year of ceaseless house projects and stress. Instead, we got a sudden urge to try to move and watched God work in our lives as it all came together for our new home. I still thank God for that unexpected turn of events almost daily.

Running….Or Not Running: After spending the majority of 2012 remedying some nagging running injuries, in January of 2013, I felt that I had finally come to a solid place to pick back up training again. I had taken time off and planned to ease back into running with walking intervals and a very slow build of mileage – a very moderate plan that shouldn’t have caused issues. I had visions of running a half marathon and hopefully even reaching a new PR by the end of 2013. Well, by April the nagging injuries returned and by summer I was done fighting them. I since put my focus on other forms of fitness that I enjoy and have felt more joy with my workouts than I had for awhile. Plus, I deepened my love for yoga and get excited thinking about new possible ventures in my practice.

Getting Dunked: I don’t know why it did, but the thought of publicly sharing my testimony at church freaked. me. OUT! I mean, I blab openly to you all here…but filming a video of my personal faith story? I didn’t think I would do it. I didn’t think it was something I needed to do for my faith. God kept pulling my heart, though, so I followed. I went through the filming of my video testimony to be broadcast out to thousands (nerve. wrecking!) and then stepped into a balcony pool of water on September 29. It was one of the most emotional and special days of my life. Didn’t think I would do it. Didn’t think I needed to do it. Now couldn’t imagine not having done it.

Attitude Adjustments: I have always been a very Type A personality with a go-getter attitude. So much so, that I would find trouble resting and being present in life. I truly believe this past year has been one of immense personal growth as I seem to have finally learned the concept of “just be”. Sure, it still takes some reminders at times but I’m much less angst riddled than previous years. I went into the year with the same big visions and goals like always, but now strive more for taking things day by day with joy.

Those are just a few ways things have changed in somewhat unexpected ways this year. I’m forever grateful for the many blessings God rains down in my life. He is just so good. And not because things seem perfect and hunky-dory over here (they’re not). Not because I don’t struggle in my own ways (I do). Just because I know I can trust in Him – even when things don’t go as planned. Come to think of it? I know I can trust especially then, because I know He has something greater than I could have even imagined waiting at the other end. Cheers to all the unanswered prayers, hopes, wishes, and dreams. Let’s trust they turn out just as they should and we can look back with a smiling face and open heart.

What’s something unexpected that you are thankful for right now?