Thanksgiving.

“It is a miracle if you can find true friends, and it is a miracle if you have enough food to eat, and it is a miracle if you get to spend your days and evenings doing whatever it is you like to do, and the holiday season — like all the other seasons — is a good time not only to tell stories of miracles, but to think about the miracles in your own life, and to be grateful for them.”

—Lemony Snicket, The Lump of Coal

Miracles. 

In this day and age, most would rather default to cynicism than optimism. Miracles? Some believe they only exist in the Bible, in a magical realm, or perhaps at Disneyland.

I forget a lot of the time how blessed I am. To want for nothing, to have a roof over my head and food in my tummy, to have family (albeit 6000km away) who love me.

It hasn’t been the best year – six months after graduation and I am still without a job, things happen at home and I cannot be there for my loved ones. And the list goes on.

But there are miracles I have overlooked, too.

I’m thankful for amazing friends and family who are incredibly supportive of the decisions I have made – wise or stupid. They never fail to champion my dreams, and I sometimes wonder how on earth I could’ve met such amazing people.

I’m thankful for a roof over my head and food in my tummy. Living in Melbourne means constant access to the world’s best coffee, drool-worthy food, and amazing produce.

I’m thankful for the time I have, to do whatever I want to do – write, cook, read… or watch re-runs of Grey’s Anatomy. This is a luxury I’ll miss upon finding full-time work.

I’m thankful for the mistakes I’ve made this year, and the opportunity to learn from them.

Most of all, I am thankful for a God who so loved the world, He sent His son to be with humankind.

In this holiday season, I am reminded of the good things in life – family, friendship, good food, and lots of laughter. I hope that in the dark times I take these memories to heart and know that brighter days are to come.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6, NIV)

Do you believe in miracles? I do.