Sophie, the 15-year-old daughter of my international studies teacher, passed away in late August after a year-long fight with cancer. It is yet another bitter reminder to me that the life passes way too fast for us to take it for granted. Sophie was keeping a blog where she would jot down her feelings, hopes and dreams for when she recovers, and where she also kept a list of things that she was thankful for.
It is one of the many legacies that Sophie left behind, and it inspired me as a beautiful habit to have.
Because as it says, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances." I think there is a lot of psychological wisdom in it, too. Reorienting your attitude on the things you have as opposed to those you don't, on the things that are going well instead of constantly complaining about what's not working out... An attitude of joy brings strength, healing and hope for the things yet to come. And it is also quite contagious.
So to make a little application, here is a brief list of 5 things that I am grateful for today.
1) The "fall-shadowing" of Chapel Hill. The sun, the leaves, the morning chilly air that all let you know that the fall is round the corner. Along with spring turning itself into summer, this might well be my favorite time of the year.
2) My Bible, a journal and colored pens. Sometimes I feel that with these three things I could easily survive on that deserted island. I'm a write-down-your-prayers person, and a lot of times a particular verse only hits me once I copy it into my notebook in different colors. Might be old-school (or middle-school), but it makes my time with God more personal.
3) My boo. And now I can actually say, my fiancé. I feel blessed for entering into this new season of engagement with him, learning what it means to commit myself to someone for life. He's been a great comforter as I am dealing with the loss of my dad, and an encourager throughout my counter-culture shock getting back to Carolina. The many new things that I am learning about him now make me look forward to the "new covenant" even more.
4) Classes, homework, books, honors thesis... simply put, school work. Four months of summer break really made me miss the academic drill. I feel like my brain is growing again! Now, let's wait till the finals come around... The jive might get a bit different then.
5) Rachel, my roommie. Living alone in France made me realize how refreshing it is to have someone there to check on you, grow with you, and know you as a sister. I am excited for this school year as we get to grow closer skipping though the academic and other hurdles.
Saying bye to the summer in the Old Quad- currently my favorite chill out place.
It is one of the many legacies that Sophie left behind, and it inspired me as a beautiful habit to have.
Because as it says, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances." I think there is a lot of psychological wisdom in it, too. Reorienting your attitude on the things you have as opposed to those you don't, on the things that are going well instead of constantly complaining about what's not working out... An attitude of joy brings strength, healing and hope for the things yet to come. And it is also quite contagious.
So to make a little application, here is a brief list of 5 things that I am grateful for today.
1) The "fall-shadowing" of Chapel Hill. The sun, the leaves, the morning chilly air that all let you know that the fall is round the corner. Along with spring turning itself into summer, this might well be my favorite time of the year.
2) My Bible, a journal and colored pens. Sometimes I feel that with these three things I could easily survive on that deserted island. I'm a write-down-your-prayers person, and a lot of times a particular verse only hits me once I copy it into my notebook in different colors. Might be old-school (or middle-school), but it makes my time with God more personal.
3) My boo. And now I can actually say, my fiancé. I feel blessed for entering into this new season of engagement with him, learning what it means to commit myself to someone for life. He's been a great comforter as I am dealing with the loss of my dad, and an encourager throughout my counter-culture shock getting back to Carolina. The many new things that I am learning about him now make me look forward to the "new covenant" even more.
4) Classes, homework, books, honors thesis... simply put, school work. Four months of summer break really made me miss the academic drill. I feel like my brain is growing again! Now, let's wait till the finals come around... The jive might get a bit different then.
5) Rachel, my roommie. Living alone in France made me realize how refreshing it is to have someone there to check on you, grow with you, and know you as a sister. I am excited for this school year as we get to grow closer skipping though the academic and other hurdles.
Saying bye to the summer in the Old Quad- currently my favorite chill out place.
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