100 Lovely Things
In my daily routine, I make a gratitude list. I’ve been doing this on and off for several years but this year was able to make it more formal; my prayer journal has a whole section dedicated to gratitude! Not only does this practice help me pause and notice the small gifts of every day life, but it also points me to the giver of good gifts — both of which are especially helpful in this season.
It’s been 53 days since I started working from home so here are 100 wonderful things that have happened since then in chronological order.
Days of unknown, getting to trust God
Honest chats with Raye
One year at the IAPP!
God’s grace in quarantine
Coworkers who care
Goodwill trips (last one)
Coffee from Flight & Adrian’s love
Quiet evenings
Alex’s killer design skills (wedding invites)
Work meetings that bring connection
Floor almost being done
Flight coffee
Games with Nate and Isaac
Adrian’s grace and love even when I am weak
Creative Inspiration
The simple art of baking
Wadey boy and his kisses
The Sims 4
Adrian’s love and support during grief
Morning prayer with Adrian
Game night with Joe + Shannon
Drives dreaming about our future
Breakfasts by the river and long walks
Marriage prep conversations that grow us
Sunshine and the ability to work in it
Chatting with the Youth Group
Adrian’s grace in working through issues
Five Guys & milkshakes
Community group authenticity
Dinner with Hannah & Morgan
Chats with Zachy J.
Coworkers who encourage and support
Wadey playdates with Zuzu and Lisa
Narnia with Adrian and his joy
Family Zoom calls with the Jantzis
Getting photography stuff done on Squarespace
Easter celebrations with church
Ribs, baby!
Daily Remain Bible times
Illicit trips to the ocean with Adrian
Taco Bell sillies after running
Being able to love Lydia’s HOH
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
Adrian trying on his suit
Drives to process pain
Adrian’s grace and perseverance
Cuddles with Adrian after breakdowns
New furniture pieces from Facebook marketplace
Nic & Amy Lines
Homemade bread for french toast
Chuck & Twila
Adrian Wesley Jantzi — a kind fiancé
Adventures in watercolor
Isaac showing us The Chosen
Beautiful sunsets
Friends, community, & Zoom
Tiger King specials with Chinese food!
Draft Day!
Whipped coffee!
Boy rewatch with Adrian!
Morning bird chirps
Kitchen progress — walls down!
The Crown
Online church
Old Rail Pizza
Early morning quiet times
Evenings with A — He is kind.
Conversations with Sarah L. that are full of truth
Evenings of unexpected company
Whispering Angel rosé
Adrian’s support in hard times
Chats with wise women
“Tech Rehearsal”
Prayer meetings with the church
Morning waffles
Dale doing electrical work
Chats with Audree & Ben
Chats with John & Cindy
Walks with Adrian and Wade in 75 degree weather
Visiting Daria on her birthday
Chats with the Ashby’s — encouraging and helpful
Community with Em, Ry, and Nae
Chatting through life with Adrian
Ordering wedding bands!
New sinks! (Temporary but soooo useful)
Getting our run on with fastest times for us!
Video games with Evan and Co
Carrie Underwood’s leg workout
Cuddles with Adrian
Fresh flowers from local farms!
The sun finally shining regularly
My new blanket from Heather!
This is really just a small sampling of the good gifts I’ve been receiving this season. I’m so incredibly thankful for community — whether it’s family, Adrian, or friends and my church — people have been so generous with their time and energy, loving us through this season. It’s not been easy — there have been many things to grieve, most not related to COVID, but through it all, God has been kind and generous and gracious as He pours out lavish gifts day after day.
What are some things you’re thankful for this season?