Thankful

Am I the only one that is ready for Friday to be here already when it's only Tuesday? I certainly hope not. Don't get me wrong, college has been amazing so far and I absolutely love it here at Indiana Wesleyan, however this week has been so overwhelming and exhausting and it's only Tuesday. After being asked several times "how are you?," this morning and wanting to be pretty direct and honest, I had to take a step back and remind myself of how many things I have to be thankful for, in order to relieve some of the anxiety I was having. Of course I'm overwhelmed and exhausted because it's midterm week this week and next, so that means plenty of exams to study for and even more papers to write. However, I took a moment to catch my breath and think about just how many things I have to be thankful for and here is the list I came up with.. I am thankful for coffee dates with friends who remind me of why I'm here. I am thankful for little buttons on my backpack that remind me of the things that I often forget and that encourage me to do good. I am thankful for God's hand in every aspect of life, including starting a new friendship that I am so excited to continue with a sweet girl. I am thankful for encountering the Holy Spirit more than I ever have before. I am thankful for a roommate who puts up with my random outbursts of singing (and trust me, there's a reason I'm not a worship ministries major). I am thankful for my sweet Momma who drove three hours one way just to take me to dinner because she is so good for my heart. I am thankful for His challenges, even when they terrify me and test my obedience. I am thankful that God doesn't call the equipped, but He equips the called. I am thankful that the weather is actually starting to feel like fall. I am thankful for rainy days that lead me to cute coffee shops that have better wifi than IWU, so I can be productive and get some homework done. I am thankful for the encouragement notes given me that say exactly what I need to hear. I am thankful for the change I've experienced in so many aspects of my life since being here at college. I am thankful for deep, vulnerable talks with new people. I am thankful to be learning more about ministry. I am thankful for relational professors who actually care to learn my name. I am thankful to be able to worship our Father on the green grass with some people who have quickly ended up being some of my favorite people. I am thankful for weekend visits from my youth pastor and his wife (who are also some of my other favorite people). I am thankful for Thursday afternoons spent at the Red Barn being able to talk and hang out with junior high kiddos. I am thankful for so much because in the midst of worry and anxiety, God reminds me that He remains faithful and continues to pour out His blessings and for that, I am thankful.