Thanks Mon

Here's to another day of thankfulness:

Panera Bread

Where do I begin? I frequented Panera on roughly 100% of afternoons in high school. My myPanera card is probably the reason they seemed to cut down on the freebies. I kid you not, and I apologize to all out there who have not received a free bakery treat in MONTHS. When I moved to college and learned of the 20 minute drive to Panera, I came close to tears. But then I realized the actual blessing of that drive and distance from campus. I could go and truly find rest from the hectic days and college environment that still seems to settle around restaurants and coffee shops near campus. When home is a 10 hour drive away, 20 minutes jamming to Ben Rector on the way to a bowl of mac and cheese sounds pretty darn good.

Love

I am thankful to be continuing to grow in my understanding of what love looks like and how to glorify the Lord by loving those around me. I was shown this quote by CS Lewis by a dear friend and thought I would share it here:

"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable."

-The Four Loves

Officially adding that book to the reading list.

Birthdays

While it was not my birthday, I absolutely love celebrating the days on which my favorite people entered this world and changed my life as I know it. This weekend, I was able to make a quick visit (<48 hours) home in order to celebrate the special day of my favorite boy whom I missed too much for words. It's beautiful to me when being in the presence of someone else is far more restful than any "lazy day" imaginable. I'm thankful to have experienced that restful joy this weekend and to have celebrated the life that the Lord has given him. 

What are you thankful for today?