Life is a Gift

I am sitting here at my kitchen table with the sunshine streaming through the window and surrounded by some of my favorite things. For the past couple hours I have been writing to friends from far away, friends who I have neglected, I must confess. School should not be an excuse for forsaking and neglecting good friends, so, my dear friends, I must apologize for neglecting you for so long. I am much grateful for lovely fall breaks that provide a time for recovering and an opportunity to remember once again my awesome friends and write numerous letters to dear ones around the world. So with colorful pens and paper I begin to write, a candle flickering and my tea cup of coffee (yes, I drink coffee from a tea cup and this is NOT the oddest thing I do.) within reach. I feel that the only thing I am missing is Peter Rabbit sitting on the table to cause a little mischief ( Beatrix Potter reference) and a quill pen with a bottle of ink to dip it in, but I will simply have to imagine these things for they are not at my easy access.
Letter writing often becomes a time of reflection upon the last few months of my life or the season of life I am in right now. It reminds of the things I have learned, of the things I have survived, of the things I love, of the beauty in life, of the adventures I have had, of the pains and agonies of life, and yet of God's persistent grace, faithfulness, and steadfast love. Writing letters reminds me that life is a gift and life is beautiful even when it hurts.
Sipping coffee in a tea cup is a gift. Reading a Bible in my own language for myself is a gift. Walking to school on a crisp fall morning is a gift. Laughing with roommates or classmates who I love is a gift. Talking to my sisters on the phone is a gift. Listening to Sunny Days by Jars of Clay is a gift. ;) Watching the leaves dance to the ground and blanket the cold earth with its colorful patterns is a gift. Baking delicious fall treats for friends is a gift. Being in a godly, Christian, faith-building school is a gift. A hug from a friend on a hard day is a gift. Having friends and professors who don't let me give up in life is a gift. Life is a beautiful gift.