Happy Thanksgiving! Wow! It’s crazy that it is already Thanksgiving. I feel as though I haven’t had a moment to breathe since August, and I just can’t believe the end of the year is so close! I absolutely love this time of year. I know there is often a lot of hustle and bustle with holiday parties, Christmas concerts, end of the year projects, and last minute shopping. However, I enjoy finding this part of the year as a time to wind down and look back on all of the great things that have happened. I wanted to spend just a few minutes to share what I am the most grateful for this year. 2017 isn’t over, but it has already brought me so much joy and growth.

First and foremost, I am grateful for family and friends that have shown up and supported Hayden and myself. These individuals have supported me through my last semester of college, cheered us on through frustrating times, and they have graciously cared for Hayden and I through such a busy season. We are constantly hearing family and friends tell us they are praying for us and thinking of us often. It means so much to have such a great support system, and we love doing life with so many of you.

Running a business is about 100x harder than I ever thought. I now know that even the smallest business have so much to do and so many regulations and legalities to follow! There is always something to do, and it seems like I am always behind in some area. However, this business has been such a blessing. I am so grateful that God opened my heart to starting a business. I originally planned to start this dream in my mid 30s, but I am so thankful that I took a leap of faith. I  don’t know where God is going to take this business in the next year or five years, but right now, I am thankful for what it has done and what it is doing. This business has allowed me to meet so many great seniors, families, couples, and other entrepreneurs. I pray that I’ve been able to love on and serve those who I meet through this career.

Lastly, I am so thankful for grace. Don’t click the “back” button and think that this blog is not for you because I’m getting real with you. Grace is for everyone. Grace has been something that I’ve experienced in amazing ways this year, and I can’t help but cry every time I think how good life has been. I’ve been given grace in relationships, school, business, and life in general. I’ve said things I wish I didn’t, I made choices I’ve regretted, and I’ve not acted on things when I should have. However, people have shown me grace in ways I couldn’t imagine. I’ve also learned to give grace to myself. I’m trying to learn the lesson that no one is perfect, and it’s okay that every part of my life isn’t super shiny and grand. Sometimes you set goals, and you don’t achieve them, but that doesn’t mean you are a lazy person. As I’ve started to give myself grace in different areas of my life, it has taught me to give grace to others.

So far, 2017 has been wonderful, and I am sure that before the year ends I will be able to add a few more points to this blog. I want to personally wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope that you are able to enjoy at least a few moments with family and friends.

xoxo,