Counting my blessings

Psalm 19:7-14 (TNIV)
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworhy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the Lord are sure, and all of them are righteous.
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.
By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

It's strange how sometimes I can get stuck in this rut of dissatisfaction with my life and forget how truly blessed I am!! I don't list my blessings nearly enough but I thought I'd remind myself of how lucky I am!!

Six months ago, I didn't know that I'd be working in Ann Arbor at a wonderful salaried job that actually utilizes my college degree working under brilliant bosses. I'm being promoted to full-time, getting the extra vacation time just in time to be able to spend all of Christmas break with my family.

Six months ago, I didn't think I'd be able to work with one of my Psych professors researching coping and depression. This professor whose expertise is dealing with ethnic differences (with a focus on African Americans) and coping is actually allowing me to do my own thing and researching gender differences. This year is going to be an exciting one with lots of traveling to Psych conferences and (knock on wood) I'm going to start working on my first theoretical paper next semester.

My family is super-supportive of me. It wasn't until I got to college that I realized what a wonderful relationship I have with my parents. I did take too many things for granted throughout high school. =(

My friends are also so great. I always have someone to call, always have someone to hang out with. Lizzy prays for me every morning from Seattle! I have people to stay with from all over the country: Seattle, Chicago, Washington DC, Durham, Santa Monica, Pasadena, L.A., New Brunswick, even Oxford, England! My friends challenge me in my relationship with God, cause me to think deeply about social issues, teach me grace, allow me to practice the fruit of the Spirit, and affirm me even in the midst of my struggles to find who I am.

My church and InterVarsity are training grounds on life. Not only have I learned more what it means to worship God, but these two communities are teaching me what it means to have constant joy despite the instability of life and emotions. I am learning conflict resolution, and gaining confidence that I am unique and have things to offer to others.

Finally, six months ago I wouldn't have foreseen falling for and dating the person who really became my best friend over the past summer. Although he has his moments of extreme nerdiness (causing Heather to whispering to me in jest, "wow Tracy, you sure picked yourself a winner), I'm so blessed to have someone who knew me at my worst and still cares for me, who I can be completely honest, open, and myself with, who I can be quirky and serious with, who complements me in both personality and working style, who I can pray with, laugh with and laugh at. He puts his relationship with God even before his relationship with me and has such a tender heart for serving those around him.

I'm so blessed. =)