A Thankful Heart

Today my heart is full of thanks for a long list of people and circumstances.  I humbly recognize that there is a whole tribe of family and friends that surround and support Steve and I, without whom we would be utterly hopeless (especially when it comes to raising our boys while pursuing our dreams).  If you are in that tribe (and you most likely are if you are reading this) - thank you for being part of our journey.  We love you. 

Today my heart is also filled with deep love and gratitude for these youth and their presence in my life.  Just look at them - each one so beautiful, so loving, and so filled with gifts to offer the world!

Yesterday, this group of teens came to The GreenHouse to help assemble and deliver Thanksgiving Food Boxes to 48 families in their own community.  It was a joy to watch them hard at work, filling the boxes with food and getting them out to where they needed to go.  They could have spent their day off from school doing any number of other things.  They chose to come and serve (along with a whole army of other awesome volunteers).

This year, more than ever, the food baskets were a blessing to the community.  There are many, many people who are unemployed, struggling to pay rent, and in danger of being evicted.  A box of food delivered to their door was indeed a welcome gift. 

The teens who came yesterday saw and heard firsthand the impact of their service.  They walked away with smiles on their faces - that kind of afterglow that comes from knowing that you've been used to bless someone else.  For that, and for them, I am truly thankful.