By Kelsey Smith
Target. Vanilla lattes. Christmas music. Chocolate chip cookie dough. These are all things I’m thankful for.
We can all name things that we are thankful for. Even at the end of a crappy day, we could make a list of all the things we are thankful for. It may be more challenging than when we are having the time of our lives, but thankfulness is always around us.
What if we changed our approach to thankfulness? What if in the middle of a hard season, a long work week, or just a tough day, we took a moment to thank God for our trials and struggles?
Are you reading this and thinking I’m a crazy person? Just hear me out.
How does one grow in their life and in their faith in Jesus? Don’t we see more growth through the trials and tribulations than we do in the seasons where everything seems to be going our way? Doesn’t it usually take hitting rock bottom for us to realize what God has to offer us?
In this current season of life I’m in, I seem to have more questions than answers. I am trying to listen for God’s voice, I really am. But I cannot tell if the voice I am hearing is my voice or His. Tricky huh?
Sometimes I think we tend to take things into our own hands and make things happen for ourselves. My finances aren’t where I want them to be, so I am taking on more jobs/projects and working more hours. Next month I am moving across town to an apartment that costs less than half of what my current one does. But what if I just took a step back and let God work His magic? What if I let Him be the driver, and I happily sat happily next to Him in the passengers seat?
My father once told me that worrying means that you are not trusting God. Ouch. That one hurt. I totally trust that God has an amazing plan for my life, but I am a natural worrier. I don’t know how to NOT worry. Seriously though, someone teach me how to not worry.
In June I quit all of my jobs to focus on what my passion was. I had made compromises and lost sight of myself. Even though I didn’t know where or when my next paycheck was coming, I felt such a sense of peace. I had the distinct feeling of knowing God has this absolutely amazing plan for my life that I couldn’t even imagine in my wildest dreams. It’s now November and I don’t have that peace or distinct feeling anymore. I believe that feeling is gone because I have tried to make things happen for myself. I want to be in control. I want to make myself successful. I want to provide for myself. I want to know that I’m doing everything in my own power to control my financial situation.
But what would it look like to step out in faith? To take that leap and let God know that I’m ready to follow Him and His plan?
This November, I’m thankful for this season of struggling. I’m thankful for this season of long days, restless nights, and stress upon stress. I’m thankful for not having the answers.
I feel big things for 2017. I’m going to step out and take my leap of faith. I’m ready to see God work wonders in my life. I’m ready to have that freedom. Are you ready for those things too?
Community is powerful, and I wouldn’t have been able to make it through this season without my close friends and family. Let’s learn to be vulnerable with each other so we can come alongside other women and become stronger together.
Kelsey is chasing her dreams in Music City. She’s one of those people who will tell you that Texas is the best state and Nashville is the best city. She works in the music industry and volunteers on the digital communications team at Cross Point church. She loves traveling, music, reading and finding the best vanilla latte. If you can quote New Girl and/or love sarcasm, you guys will have a beautiful friendship.
