Grateful for the Daily Stuff

I used to want to spend my life traveling, learning new cultures and languages, narrowly escaping dangers, and always in the middle of adventure.

Now, though, I know that a life like that could not possibly compare to the daily joys that God has given me right here and now. As I have reflected on gratitude, I meant to write a post a day highlighting some of my blessings. Today, though, I couldn't settle on just one. I am saving Jesus for Christmas Eve (kind of like an advent calendar, or Top Ten list, even though I know He's my biggest blessing every day of my life.)
So, much like my brain tends to be, this will be a big conglomeration of gifts for which I'm thankful, in no particular order:

*I'm grateful for books, and access to them. We live within 5 miles of 2 libraries and 2 giant bookstores. I owe the library a ton of money right now. :( My brother Pete said when he was in California that he never really felt like he fit. Same in New York. But when he comes home, he knows where he belongs. In our family. Probably because whenever we get together, we each bring the 5 books or so that we're reading, and we talk about them. Our choices of reading material are so different! But the trait is purely Borum. My dad did the same thing. The other day, I finished a book about a Jewish girl who converted to Christianity. Girl Meets God, by Lauren Winner. Freedom in Christ. But as I read, I realized that I knew so little about Jewish tradition. Now I'm reading about some of these, and learning some Hebrew vocabulary. The same God who offered us Jesus to free us from the Law also thought these laws were important enough to give them to Moses. I want to know more. And I'm grateful for being able to do this so close to home.

*I'm grateful for students who email and come back to visit. I'm grateful when their parents tell my principal how well they've transitioned to middle school. That's happened a couple of times this week. I love these kids, and work very hard to prepare them. It is nice to feel appreciated.

*I'm grateful for the blogs of other Christian women.

*I'm grateful for the mornings when Ben wakes up with an open palm, and exclaims "Look Mommy! No fist!" That means he won't be picking a fight with his sister for at least an hour. I'll take it!

*I'm grateful to be able to work part-time, to supplement our income and to be with our children.

*I'm grateful for my church. There are people there who taught my mom in Sunday School, and who invited us to their home for a change of scenery the year my dad was killed. One of the pastors, Jeff, answered about 3 trillion questions for me in college, and did our premarital counseling. I remember his stories throughout each and every week, even now, and will always be grateful for his taking the time to teach me and the rest of us singles.

*I'm grateful for my friends. It has been said that if a person has one true friend, she is more blessed than most. I have been so incredibly blessed with several true friends.

*I'm grateful to live in a smaller town, where if I spend an hour getting my driver's license renewed, it's because I'm chatting with the workers and not because I'm waiting in line.

*I'm grateful for the sunshine.