Growing Gratitude

Adjusting to life in a new place culturally different than any other place I have been to, has been difficult. That initial start, as I mentioned in my last blog, was the worst. Once I started to look at the little things and what was going right, it made the circumstances significantly better. Now, as Thanksgiving is here, I have really tried to reflect on these past five months. I know, with all my heart, that when God brings you to a place, there is a reason. I really never see it until I leave; However, making the most of my stay here in Miami has made me realize what I was gaining instead of losing – What I had to be thankful for. The opportunities God has opened for me, more certainty of who I am, the overall experience, my family finally being whole are all effects of the move.

I was really upset to hear what our Thanksgiving holiday would be like this year. I am so homesick for my family, friends, and cold weather. I can’t remember the last time we had Thanksgiving with just the five of us. I’m not sure if we ever had. It doesn’t feel right to not be out all night in sweatshirts and pants driving Gators over a farm field or spending the holiday in Tennessee with the best food made by my grandma while drinking cider and waiting for it to snow. This year felt so far from home that it made my heart hurt. Then, the other day in my English class I was forced to write a Thanksgiving poem and sort of had a revelation.

Something about writing it surprised me. I realized I truly did have tons to be grateful for. I have had new soccer opportunities with different coaches, experiences that I am not sure I would have gotten someplace else; newfound strength in understanding I really can overcome anything; Confidence; and becoming more sure of myself with my southern ways, conservative views, and Christian faith. I have gained more pride than ever for my country as I recite the pledge every morning – and my peers just stand there. The fact that my family is together for the first time in two years…better than ever. I have met new people and opportunities to spread Jesus’ light, which is so so exciting! I am so thankful for the times God knew I needed a breather, and made a way possible to go to Virginia, where I was reconciled with family and mountain air. If it weren’t for this move, I probably wouldn’t have created this blog. It’s only been five months and so many doors have opened and God is working in a way I cannot begin to fathom. Do I want to live here forever? Absolutely not, but I feel content with being in Miami because I know God sent us. I know there is a plan. I play a part in something I can’t see, but will one day understand. As much as it hurts to be here, the anticipation and joy I feel to be God’s vessel and be here for Him are overwhelming.

New beginnings are difficult. People assume that just because it’s God’s plan, life will be easy, and if it’s not, it’s not God’s plan. Making things work at the start is so important. Having faith and pushing through, leads to reward. In one of my previous blogs I had said, “I will sacrifice my short-term happiness for His long-term plan.” I had said that in the midst of fear, before the first day of school. Never have I realized that to be truer. When you give it all to God, eventually it doesn’t feel like you are sacrificing anything. It becomes easier. You just live for Him. With that, you feel so much more gratitude. It’s amazing to feel grateful in a place you would leave in five seconds. That’s how powerful God’s love is.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  I feel so grateful for everything, but it’s funny because at the same time I want to cry and run as far away as possible from Miami – To all that is comfortable and warm and happy. But I have work to do here, at this moment and place. The beauty of it is that I get to do it all with my Savior by my side…I can come home later.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Keep it real,

Meghan Dunn