God, Grace, and Gratitude

I believe in God. I live through grace. I live in gratitude.

God, grace, and gratitude- An unfailing trifecta of G's. While each may be viewed as independent concepts, the three together have the ability to create things far beyond our abilities.

While I may not have rockstar attendance at church and haven't dutifully read scripture, I still have faith. I strongly believe there is a Higher Power greater than us all. Call it God, call it Allah, Krishna, whatever resinates with you, its there. I believe God has put all of us on earth with purpose and a plan. Everything we encounter in our lives is perfectly timed (even though we may not always think so) and for a reason in accordance with His intention for us. I also believe in science. I am fully aware and not ignorant to the fact that everything that happens can be explained by a scientific truth. But, if science was the only way I explained things that have happened in my life, I would have a titanium heart and an encyclopedia series of both shitty and happy facts. You can logically reason and fact your way through any situation, but God gives you hope for them. He gives you a guide, a reason, and a purpose to work through and carry on. He may not give you the "why" right away (or ever), but faith provides encouragement and reassurance things are happening according to plan. For things we don't understand, think are fair, or don't want to do, he gives us grace.

Grace can have many meanings and come in many forms. Some view grace as good manners, others as something spiritual, and if your five maybe as something you eat before you can have your mac and cheese. Grace can be in the form of a thing, a person, an experience, an emotion, or a freedom. I view grace as a gift. An unconditional gift from God, given with no strings attached. You don't have to be fearless or have endless courage to receive grace. It comes to those who are grateful and humble. Its not something that can be repaid, but it is a gift to be lived out.  We live out our grace through faith and gratitude.

I have abundant gratitude for many many things in my life.  Life without gratitude would be like s'mores without the chocolate. So not tasty. Marshmallows and graham crackers are average, chocolate is the extra delicious goodness that completes the picture. Gratitude comes from within, allows you to appreciate all that you have and grow your heart. As my trip quickly approaches ( 15 days) my awareness of all I have to be grateful has been heightened, especially thanks for God and Grace. I know I will need all three to guide me through my adventure ahead. God and gratitude for grace and grace to be grateful. But until I leave in two weeks I have much to be grateful for here in Charleston and in my life today. So here is my gratitude list for today, I encourage you to take inventory of what your grateful for every now and then and jot some things down.  It feels good. You may have a lot more to smile about than you think.

If your grateful, your happy. If your not, your not.

Today I give gratitude for:
-Family (first and always)
-Yoga
-Dellz lunch dates with Beth, Sarah and Jess
-Walks with Emily Chess
- My dogs Max and Putter
-Chocolate coconut water (holy delicious)
-Faith
-Friends
-Phone calls from my sister who hates to talk on the phone
-Sneakers
-Laughter
-Big Bang Theory
-Jumble Cookies
-Open hearts