What I'm Thankful for on November 7

     I started this blog with the intention of recounting all I am grateful for, so it seems fitting that I do something "thanks" oriented during the month of November especially.  I've got a few ideas, but I'm still thinking.  More on that next week.

Amen! (photo credit: heartofwisdom.com)

     Anyway,  I am very thankful that my family is coming this weekend (RELATED: Family Weekend).  At the same time, I'm thankful that God has really been ministering to me lately and I am more hopeful and joyful than ever.  I am no longer in anguish waiting for to see my mom and dad, which is a positive sign that I'm-- finally-- adjusting!  In the past few weeks, I've been figuring out my schedule for next semester as well as dealing with a new tweak-of-an-injury.  Hopefully, you'll think its just as bizarre as I think: I have rib disfunction.  Or, at least, that's what the doctor thinks.  I'm getting in to see a back specialist in a few days, so I'll know more then.  It all started after my run last Saturday.  I stopped to tie a shoe at the end of the run, and then could not run again when I tried!  My upper back hurt so terribly that I couldn't take the pounding motion of running.   Since then, it hasn't gotten any better.  It hurts when I go up and down stairs and when I take an abnormally deep breath.  For most people, this wouldn't be too bad-- just avoid stairs and breath normally!  For a runner, though, it's a bit of an issue.  I haven't been able to run since Saturday and I'm pretty bummed about it.  Not to mention, I've been feeling more distant from God this week.  I think the latter is because I've been so busy with school and excited with my family coming, that I haven't been so desperate on him to renew my thoughts and keep me going.  Busyness is often stressful, but it also has a way of keeping the mind occupied.  This is not beneficial in the walk of faith, without constant practice of God's presence.
     However, I also recognize that Christ has lavished us with forgiveness, and I am so grateful for that.  I also know that it's not all about feeling.  I've been speaking to God, thanking him and communing with him the past few days.  Not having a desired "feeling" doesn't make God any less present.  For an emotionally driven person though, that's a little harder to remember.
     But now I'm digressing.  In regard to my back, I've found that I have a lot of impatience toward God about healing.  But I'm so thankful that we can always go back to the throne of grace!

Lord, thank you that you are my healer and you know what you are doing.  You don't need to be told how to do things in my life, for you have already created great and wonderful plans for me.  Thank you daddy.  Please reveal yourself more and more in my life and open my eyes to more of your presence.  I have failed this week in keeping you central amongst the excitement and chaos.  Forgive me and draw near me again.  You are all I want and all I need.  I desire your love and your presence in my life, and nothing else.  You're daddy.  You love me and I love you so much.