It's my birthday, so what?

Welp, I'm officially another year older. I am now 27. I'm pretty sure this is the most insignificant birthday I've ever had. Then again, its the first of many insignificant birthdays, so maybe it is significant in that way?? Maybe you don't know what I mean. When I was a kid, every birthday had some kind of significance. 10 was special because it was TWO digits. 13 was special because it had the word "teen" in it. 16, of course, meant driving. 18 meant I was "officially" an adult (little did I know, I still had years before adulthood actually sunk in and meant something). 21 was special because it just is in our culture...I don't drink, but it still felt significant for whatever reason. Even 24 and 26 were special because they were the ages I predicted I would get married and have my first child...I was wrong (I got married at 21 and Ariel was born when I was 25), but they still felt special. But 27? What is significant about 27 except its insignificance?

Anyhow, I've been trying to come up with somethings to make it a special year. I've noticed how blessed I am in so many ways. Also, I've read about several people making 365 commitments this year. They sound neat - challenging and interesting. I've decided to make this a year of graitude. I'm going to try to post something I am grateful for everyday.

I think this can only be a good thing. Here are just a few reasons I can think of. First, I'll be giving credit where it is due - all the positive things and people are in my life because of God. I don't give Him enough credit for my blessings and as a result it is too easy to think I have something to do with these blessings. Like I earned them, made them happen myself, or I deserve them...I think that last one might be the worst. Second, it'll improve my outlook. I'll be a happier person because I am recognizing and focusing on all the good stuff going on rather than the other stuff. Plus, in times when it might be harder to be thankful, I'll find something. Third, I'll notice the little things and so often its those little things that go unnoticed, yet mean so much to us. Further, maybe I'll be able to look at the difficult moments and see the blessings in them or that came about because of them.

Hopefully, you won't be too bored by these posts. I plan to make them short and simple; sometimes this won't be the case I'm sure. I think posting them on my blog will create more accountability, so I'll be more likely to follow through. I could continue to try to just be thankful, but I really believe writing things out makes things more real. You have to think about it to write it out. Writing is an awesome tool for intentionality. Maybe, just maybe, you'll be encouraged by my thankfulness and be able to find the many things in your life you are thankful for too. So here's to the beginning of 365 days of intentional gratitude.

Day One:
Today, I am thankful for 27 years of blessings. I cannot (and I promise, I won't try to) begin to list them all here or anywhere, but my every second is touched by all the blessings that fill my life and made it all that it is. Thank you, God, for taking care of me all this time, thank you for your faithfulness even in the midst of times of my unfaithfulness.