Counting My Blessings

As this year comes to a close, I’ve felt a deep pull to pause and look back. Not at what’s missing, but at the blessings God has given us.

This year didn’t look the way I imagined it would. Some prayers are still unanswered. Some hopes are still tender. But when I look closely, I see God’s hand are everywhere.

One of the biggest blessings this year was moving into our own place. Creating a home together feels incredibly special. A home that reflects our little family, our lifestyle, and our faith. Before that, we were given the gift of living with my in-laws for an entire year. That season was such a blessing in ways I don’t think I fully realized at the time. It was a year of support, love, learning, and being surrounded by family when we needed it the most.

This year, I graduated from college! Something I always though of as a finish line, but instead feels like an open door to being an adult. And even more surprising, I don’t have a “real job” in the way the world defines it. I’m a wife. I’m building a home. I’m creating slowly and intentionally. And I truly love this season. God has given me the freedom to slow down and be present, and that alone feels like a gift.

I also built Sweet Like Eden this year! Something that formed out of heartache and grew into a space for creativity, remembrance, and healing. Creating something from the heart has been such a blessing and a reminder that God can bring beauty from even the most horrible tragedies.

We also welcomed a little kitten, Jelly Bean, into our home this year, bringing joy, comfort, and laughter into our everyday lives. It’s a sweet reminder that blessings often come in the smallest, simplest forms.

One of the greatest blessings has been watching my husband grow and thrive. I am endlessly proud of him. His work ethic, his faith, and the way he leads our family with care and intention. Getting to walk alongside him in this season has been such a joy.

This year has also brought me closer to God than ever before. In the waiting, the grief, and the uncertainty, I’ve learned to lean on Him instead of trying to have all the answers. My faith feels deeper and more rooted. I don’t just believe in God, I trust Him.

And still, this year carries grief.

Eden isn’t here the way I thought she would be. I thought our story would look different by now. Those feelings still surface, and they are still real.

But I can see how God has been working quietly and intentionally, on our hearts, our marriage, and our patience. I’m learning that patience is the key to gratitude. That when I stop striving and start trusting, my eyes open to blessings that were there all along.

God hasn’t forgotten us. He’s preparing us.

So as I look back on this year, I choose to thank Him, not only for the prayers He’s answered, but for the waiting that has drawn me closer to Him.

And I’ll carry that gratitude into the year ahead.