thanks: part iii

Three more things I am thankful for:

13. Wine. Because why not?

14. Honesty. Because it's better for my soul.

15. Risks. Because that's what life entails. 

thanks: part ii

I am a bit behind on this thankfulness project so today I will write out nine things for which I am grateful:

4. Books. I have one tall bookshelf in my room completely stocked, books on my desk, and books stacked and scattered on my nightstand. My house has so many books because my mom and I share a love for reading. My mom is a big inspiration behind why I read historical fiction. She and my dad both have great stories.

5. Classical music. I know I said music in my last post but since I was on the subject of my mom, I must also mention that she is the inspiration behind why I love and listen to classical music. At an early age all of the Krajan kids studied classical piano and for many years. When I was young and not in school I would accompany my mom as she would run errands around town. Every time we got in the van the radio was tuned to NPR and our afternoon car rides were filled with orchestral sounds. Even now when I set my Pandora to Chopin radio I immediately think of my mother and get the feels. Thanks, Mom!

6. Piano. My first instrument, my therapy, my love and for a while, my hate.

7. Swimming. Another love-hate relationship but I have come to love it more now that I am not swimming competitively. I can let my mind wander when I am in the water but it also takes control.  

8. Travel. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to travel around with my family and friends, but also independently all throughout college. A missions trip to Belize, a summer vacationing in Greece and Vietnam, another summer spent teaching English in Hong Kong and exploring Cambodia, and living in China for a year? I would never take any of those experiences back. I have learned so much, met so many amazing people and have grown from travel.

9. Coffee. I like that taste and I like that it's my job currently. I like the idea and the act of drinking it and I like making it.

10. Bicycles. Running, swimming - they don't compare to the freedom of riding a bike and going 35-40 mph down a hill.

11. Math lovers and nerds. I honestly have always struggled with math but still managed to be placed in the upper-level and advanced math courses. I did those gifted after school math programs and JETS physics competitions but I hate math. I don't know. That's why I majored in a liberal arts degree - no math necessary. But I appreciate people who do love math because they make the world go round and I truly respect those who get it.

12. Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ. God the Father. I am thankful for the Trinity and for my purpose of life. I am thankful for love, beauty and grace.

Thanks

I'm too alone in the world, yet not alone enough 
to make each hour holy. 
I'm too small in the world, yet not small enough
to be simply in your presence, like a thing -
just as it is.

I want to know my own will
and to move with it.
And I want, in the hushed moments
when the nameless draws near,
to be among the wise ones - 
or alone. 

from Rilke, I, 13

This blog is so sporadic, I'm questioning the relevance it actually holds. No, I know the answer to that already but I'll keep on writing if only for myself. So my dear Sister and friend Emily Dao (click on her name to check out her blog) has nominated me for this "gratitude challenge". I suppose this is where I tell social media and all of cyber world three things I am thankful for over the next five days. Here it goes:

1. Music. For the creation of sound that elicit emotions and memories; for it's ability to bring one spiritually deeper, for the way it moves. For the blessing that I am able to make a sound of my own.

2. Autumn. I was born in the middle of October so naturally my heart desires the cool, crisp aroma of fall. The smells are sweeter, the air more breathable, the colors vibrant and captivating. Fall is the reminder that change must occur, that everything must come to an end but it can in the most beautiful way.

3. Grace. Because I can not be thankful enough for redemption; unrelenting forgiveness. Because I need grace every day and need to give grace always.

I guess this means I have to continuous this tomorrow.