Thankfulness

I was talking to someone on the phone yesterday who was asking about the differences between Ottawa and Winnipeg. I was honest in that I found finding deep relationships so much harder here...that people are generally not as open as in Winnipeg. The person quickly said "Oh...if I had to choose, I'd pick relationships every time! I'd NEVER move from Winnipeg!"

I had to think about that. After all, it seems the more 'Christian' thing to say, doesn't it?

I had to think about what I've lost in moving here...losing church family with a tribe of people who share the same values and style of expression. That was HARD! Often I feel like an alien here.

But then I had to think about what I've gained. I have grown more emotionally than I ever thought possible. I'm definitely not the same person I was 5 years ago (Yes...its will be 5 years in August!) I have had to grow up in so many areas. And I'm thankful for the Lord gently bringing me into this place! Just because something is hard, doesn't mean it's not God. In fact, when it's hard, you cling more to Him. What better place to allow him to change you!

I'm so thankful for my job. Isn't it odd...that it took building a business to help me find what I feel I was meant for? I feel like ministry and worship leading was all training in walking in the spirit...that all makes me so successful in the design and marketing business. Weird huh? The ability to 'hear' a client, to 'feel' and connect with their heart...to give them something that communicates their heart visually to a buying market. It is SO much fun, and SO satisfying! I am so thankful for this amazing gift God has given. Thankful that I can do something I love, and be able to care for my family.

I was talking to my Mom (who moved with my Dad to Ottawa almost 2 years ago) and she was talking about how gorgeous this city is. I joked that it just doesn't get 'green' in the summer, but it gets 'fluffy'!! The slight humidity causes the trees to get so full and round...they all look so lush and green. The city looks like a park! There is so much beauty here. That is something we didn't have much of in Winnipeg, so we so appreciate having now.

When I moved here I was told that Ottawa has more parks than any other city. Its true. Within a 2-3 minute walk from our house, there are at least 3 parks with playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, soccer fields etc. Add a couple more minutes of walking, and there are even more parks. In Winnipeg, the only playgrounds we had access to were those in school yards. We are thankful for pretty parks to walk in, play in, bike through.

So yes, on a lovely morning as this one, I am so thankful to be here. And I wouldn't change this experience for anything. This is home now. I'm grateful for my pretty little house, my family (now close to me), for my healthy and delightfully quirky children, my job, this city and faithful & loving friends.

(ps...yesterday one of my authors referred to me as their "Cover Girl". I have to say that I very much enjoyed that title!! haha)