Wrangler Dani

Our pastor talked about a Thankful heart last week, describing coffee-lovers as the most thankful people on the planet. (Why yes, thank you, I must say we are a sparkling bunch). He said that coffee-lovers wake up groggy, but when they get their coffee and take that first sip, no matter what else is going on in their lives – everything is OK in that “ahhhhhh” moment.

He said we should all learn to say “ahhhhh” – when we look at our cars, our houses, our relationships, our country, our surroundings, our families.

He says this every year, and now it’s is the third year I’ve heard this message (which is sort of crazy in itself, how can I have been here for three years?) but it moved me like it always does.

This morning as I sipped my coffee, I did say “ahhhhh” without even thinking about it, which made me laugh at God’s profound tickling. So here I go, with all the other things (after coffee, of course,) that I can say “ahhhhh” about:

Adam (how did I luck out and get such a hot and godly guy?) Rain on the rooftop (we got our first real storm of fall last night and it was heavenly). Family – this year we’re spending Thanksgiving with Adam’s extended family, which is wonderful and so exciting, but of course I will miss mine… which makes me feel more blessed than bad. I have so many great people in my life to love and to miss! Cold snaps and short days. Hot D Dates. Long evenings filled with candles and cooking. Still being “roommate”. A flexible job. Red cups at Starbucks. Tall boots. Working out (despite Awkward Girl). Pumpkin Pie for breakfast. Face wash. iMovie. My awesome and supportive parents. Stretches of undeveloped or ranch land. Good tires. Going home for Christmas. Great friends. PCH. Fox News. Hiking trails. Good Mexican food. The fact that Adam and I eat good Mexican food at least once a week. Rocky. Weddings. Marriages that last. The fact that we’re getting married in 53 DAYS. Brent and Kim letting me be their nonexistent, messy roommate. G-chat. Learning to jump-rope. Being more than a girlfriend. Living by the beach. Mariners Church. Pictures and memories. Inside jokes. Diet Coke. Great TV. Buying something really great on sale. The way I feel in high heels. Being an encourager. Honesty. Knee-high socks. E-mail. Christmas lights in the mall. Kayaks. Living in the USA.

“ahhhhhhhhh….”