the other day cari asked me what stage I was currently going through. I could not answer immediately, but now the answer is clear. I am learning what it means to Appreciate.

many of my friendships this year have come full circle. good friends, whom i've known for as long as 8 years, that i have grown apart from, have made their way back into my life. we are not catching up, but reconnecting our hearts and lives.

i've often prayed that God would allow me to see others as he sees them. To be perfectly honest, I prayed those prayers meaning strangers when I said "others", nor did it occur to me to ask God to see my friends as he does...i figured in my eyes they were already pretty good so why bother. As He often does God has surprised me by not only allowing me to see others as He does but even more so He has made clear to me the treasure in each person I am close with. I am puzzled at how so many extraordinary people wound their way up in my life. I know poets, painters, pastors, designers, nurses, missionaries, servants, travelers, wives, survivors, dancers, comedians, teachers, philosophers, musicians and more important than all those things, i know those who are on the narrow path. Who am I to be so blessed as to know more than one of these people? Only He knows. And I am grateful to see how precious these people i know are.

not only am i learning to appreciate my friends, but (get ready for this), I have fallen in love again with my job?????? The early mornings aren't as hard anymore and the 8.5 hours feel like 2. When I really think about it, i don't know why i ever complained about my work in the first place. I get paid 12-15 p/h to start people's mornings, facilitate conversation with yummy warm comfort drinks, meet loads of interesting people, work with friends, listen to music and stare at the water all day? I'm surprised people aren't doing illegal things to become baristas...please, no one get any ideas.

And lastly I am appreciating who I was created to be. Like everyone, I find it easy to fall into the well of self pity. but through the word, fellowship, and just good old growing up, i am seeing myself in a different light. i find myself not so worried about what i look like (not that that's a huge problem for me, but i mean just because i don't pluck my eyebrows doesn't mean i'm not aware of people's conception of my physical appearance), i'm more concerned with the matters of my heart and finding out/ fulfilling my purpose. it's a long journey, learning to love yourself, but at least i'm on it.