Day one. Thankfulness.

It's just another start to a new year. I thought it would feel like another day at Church. Another night spent with friends. but I was wrong.

I realized that spending the last moments of 2011 and the first of 2012 with my friends it hit me hard: What was I praying for all these years? Having friends by my side is something I took for granted. I only prayed for their requests and only thanked God for them once in a while. Who knows what's going to happen this year. From starting off the year with an earthquake in Japan. It could happen anytime in Canada and friends can go just like that. From tickle wars to first and last hugs. I realized that my friends have been by my side since the beginning. I never really thought of what my life would be like if I didn’t have them. No one there to support, encourage, make me smile, and just about everything.

Sitting at church on the first day of the year I prepared myself for the sermon. I wasn't expecting anything to come out of it till I turned and realized that Jason was missing. I thought to myself where could he be. 15 minutes ago we were texting each other and all of a sudden it stopped. I quickly asked him where he was and a few minutes later he replied. It was such a relief for him to show up. I realized that anything could have happen within those few minutes. We need to be thankful for what we’re given and not take things for granted. From simple friends to accountability partners. We all have our separate friends but, knowing that they’ll be there for you is such an amazing opportunity to have. Knowing that you’re loved, blessed, and trusted. A simple hug can’t hurt someone but not thanking them for something can. Take the time to reflect and thank those who you love the most.

As I sit here listening to Justis Kao's worship CD I came across this song called: "Everyday/Trading My Sorrows"
Here are the lyrics to "Everyday":

What to say, Lord? It's
You who gave me life and I
Can't explain just how
Much You mean to me now
That You have saved me, Lord
I give all that I am to You
That everyday I could
Be a light that shines Your name

Everyday, Lord, I'll
Learn to stand upon Your word
And I pray that I
I might come to know You more
That You would guide me in every single step I take, that
Everyday I can
Be Your light unto the world

Everyday, it's You I live for
Everyday, I'll follow after You
Everyday, I'll walk with You, my Lord

Everyday, Lord, I'll
Learn to stand upon Your word
And I pray that I
I might come to know You more
That You would guide me in every single step I take, that
Everyday I can
Be Your light unto the world

Everyday, it's You I live for
Everyday, I'll follow after You
Everyday, I'll walk with You, my Lord

It's You I live for, everyday

Everyday, it's You I live for
Everyday, I'll follow after You
Everyday, I'll walk with You, my Lord


These lyrics hit me hard. Like a slap in the face. Why am I on this earth? To please others? To help people? None of those. I had to give my all up to God. God created you and I to serve Him, for Him alone.

He made each and every one of us perfectly and for a reason. Some of us may still be seeking while others know for sure.

In 2011, to be honest, I wasn't a very humble leader. Some may say I am but personally, I don't think I was. Some things I did were for pride and acknowledgement. In 2012, I want to live like Christ. He gave us HIS all and it's time for us give Him our best.

Be thankful for what you’re given. Friends. Family. Food. Shelter. Schools. Church. And everything in between. You never know when your last day is. Christ gave us all a purpose. Yes, you’ll be given many challenges but He gives us these challenges because He knows that we can conquer them. It may take hours, days, months, sometimes years. But we strive to be like Him. He’s given us so much. It wouldn’t hurt to say thanks.


"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy"
-Philippians 1:3-4