More Than Thanksgiving

I started to write a semi-long status on my facebook, then just decided that I should go ahead and update my blog instead. ;)

For the last couple of months, the "theme" of my life has seemed to be having an attitude of gratitude, even when and especially when things are not going my way. There was one week especially, where one thing after another was going awry. That was actually kind of the beginning of the lesson. It was like God dropped me in "Thanksgiving Bootcamp" (in October!) and said, "Okay Ella, how do you handle this?" Talk about a pop quiz! When He and I got things in a perspective I could handle, nothing could steal my joy. It was probably one of my worst weeks, especially in my performance at work, but it was by far one of the best weeks I've ever had! And since then the lesson has continued to work itself into my life. Going deeper and deeper, learning details.

One of the "details" has been this absolute conviction of my materialism. I recognize this tendency to go to "retail therapy" to make me feel better. It's crazy how quietly the attitude can creep in, right down to the thoughts like: "I just need one more pair of leggings and then my wardrobe will be complete and I won't need anything else." Really Ella?? The lesson has come just in time too! With Christmas right around the corner, having the concept of "things don't satisfy, only I, the Great I Am, can satisfy you" has made the season less stressful. Don't worry, I'm still giving gifts. ;) We'll just say that the focus in my life has changed. Before, with the expense of moving to Colorado looming and possibly having to pay a $400-$500 deductible on my car, would have had me stressing about gifts. Now? No. God provides just the same and the gifts this year will be far more thought put into them than ever before.

You may be wondering about the deductible on my car comment. The night before Thanksgiving, I was driving home from another store that I'd filled in at that day, when I was rear-ended. Those crazy East Lansing drivers. :-P She hit me pretty hard, hard enough to pick my ipod up 6 inches and toss it into the backseat and knock my glasses all the way across the car. BUT! The good out of it, is I narrowly missed hitting the car in front of me and going out into traffic (all while driving pretty blind!) and managed to get stopped and not go hysterical. haha. I also think that I'm safe from whiplash, though I'm going to see a chiropractor on Thursday to make sure. Praise God! However, be praying. I was in shock, so when the gal only gave me a first name and a phone number, I didn't question it and I didn't call the cops right that moment. I did talk to an officer and get the report filed. Just be praying that the girl was legit and we can track her down. Otherwise, the $400 dollar deductible is up to me.

Today has been a fantastic day though! Up early to hear my 6-yr old niece speak in front of her whole school and she did amaaaazing! I'm so proud of those kids and so incredibly blessed that I get to be their Auntie! Got a bunch of errands accomplished, including getting a quote on my car. They said is about 75% to just totaling the car and the quote wasn't complete yet. Poor Reggie. :/ But a new-to-me car wouldn't be a horrible thing either. ;) Either way, we will praise! Got to enjoy lunch with my Momma and an impromptu movie! Arthur Christmas may very well be my new favorite Christmas movie. :) And then snow started and my winter hat came out. This is very exciting to me. Annnnd now? A cozy home and the first wearing of my Serbia slipper-socks. Oh yessss.