Monday morning I woke up in my tent absolutely miserable, not being dramatic, that’s literally how I felt. I was freezing and my sleeping bag wasn’t doing its job. I couldn’t get warm and finally realized that Georgia actually has seasons and I am not prepared for them. I got up and walked to the showers in what felt like the arctic. In order to conserve water for everyone to shower, we can only use three minutes of water in our new showers. As I used up my three minutes I knew how bad it was going to be as soon as I walked out of the shower. About thirty minutes later, I got to breakfast only to realize it was plain cheerios (not a big plain cheerios fan). My first bite of cheerios ended in tears, I was overwhelmed, still freezing & the cereal seemed to be the last straw. 

This week was full of cold days, rainy days, flooded tents, meals that I don't prefer, and yet another unwanted scary COVID test. Things that could easily make me complain and not want to be here. I have the choice to let those things ruin my days or I can choose to realize that I am not entitled to any of them. I am not entitled to warmth or a breakfast at all, no where in the bible does the Lord say He promises me this. He also never promised me a tent or a shower, but here I am living in luxury but not even noticing it. 

In the words of my wise team leader Nikki, “Gratitude keeps you grounded”. I decided this afternoon to make a list of 65 things that I am grateful for. This list includes: My community, almost being fully funded, having way more than I could ever need, and Jesus. Life is too good and has way more than 65 things to be grateful for. 

I thought I knew what the word entitlement meant before the race but here I am and the Lord is wrecking yet another thing!! Good stuff. Good stuff. I am so grateful for this life, cold cold days and all. 

thx for reading, 

kayla