The past seven days have been full of change—a tearful goodbye to a guy who had become very special to me this past year, a bittersweet farewell to my work family, a sorrowful goodbye to my wonderful neighbors. I moved out of my condo and left the city that had been my home for thirteen years. I’m back in my hometown; and all of my worldly goods, which aren’t much after the moving sale, are spread among three places. I’m feeling a bit displaced, but it feels good to be back home, to be back in my old bedroom.

The year has flown by quickly, and I can’t believe that in two months I’ll be on the plane to Cape Town. On Monday, I leave for three weeks of training in Colorado. I don’t really know what to expect, but I’m looking forward to it. I just hope I don’t get snowed in.

All year, I have been trying to cultivate a practice of expressing gratitude; and since today is Thanksgiving, I think it is the perfect opportunity to reflect on and to list the people, places, and things that played a significant role in my life this year, for which I am most grateful.

• My sending committee
• My work family at The Upper Room for the past 13 years
• Trevor, Estelle, Michael—my new work family at Growing the Church

  

• Joey, my puppy nephew
• Family holiday in North Carolina
• My dad, brothers, and Ray, my neighbor, who moved me out on Monday
• My friend Gina who served as a calm presence and voice of reason
• My BFF, Anna, who was there for me doing some very tough times
• St. George’s, my church family
• My sister Brittany, my constant companion
• Mom, who spent several days with me, helping me to sort, pack, and clean
• God, who has provided beyond measure for me
• The people who hosted support raising events for me
• My donors and prayer partners
• The churches that invited me to speak and to share my story
• My friends who reminded me to laugh and play
• My friends Cathy, Ralph, and Aileen who brought a bit of Cape Town to Nashville

This is not a complete list, and I have probably left out some important people and things; but I hope you’ll appreciate the spirit of my attempt to express gratitude.

At this point in my journey, I’m reminded of this Dag Hammarskjöld quote: “For all that has been — Thanks. For all that shall be — Yes.”