Being newly married and fresh out of college with a real job, I have been forced to grow up rather quickly. I graduated nursing school last December,moved my things to Augusta, got married in January, took my boards in January and started working as a nurse in February. Lets just say it was a whirlwind. Since then Tracey and I have been trying to adjust to "life in the real world". Tracey works as a manager at Fatz Cafe, and I am a nurse, which equals crazy schedules. Finding time to spend together has been a big challenge. There has been many meltdowns by me. The Lord has forced me to realize that Tracey is my Idol and I must find rest in Jesus and not Tracey. Lets just say that has not been an easy thing to do. I have only been married for 10 months and I have already been sanctified so much. I have seen more of my sin than I ever have. I have seen how selfish I am and how much it affects someone else. On a brighter side, marriage is so rewarding. I love having someone to talk with, laugh with, cry with and sing with.
This thanksgiving I find myself sitting on the couch watching the Macy’s day parade by myself. This Thanksgiving is so different than any other thanksgiving day. I am not surrounded by my sweet family. I don’t have my sweet sister here to laugh with. My family is in North Carolina, Tracey is working, Amanda is working and my in-laws are at Tybee celebrating with family. Although I am bummed about having to stay home and wait for Tracey to get off work, I am so thankful to be where I am. I have a loving husband who loves me and provides for me. I have two families that I love and adore. I have a job that keeps me on my toes and forces me to love people more than myself.
I won’t lie, it’s not easy sitting on your couch alone on thanksgiving, but I am reminded that the Lord is sovereign and I am here for a reason. He loves me and wants me to rejoice in the fact that I am a child of his. Despite the fact that I am totally depraved and sinful I have something to rejoice in, and for that I am so thankful and blessed. So when I am tempted to throw myself a pitty party I remind myself of the gospel. I remind myself of Jesus who gave his life for me. I remind myself that I am more sinful than I will ever know but more loved then I can ever imagine.
Even though it may not be the ideal Thanksgiving day, I get to cook for Tracey and my sweet sister Amanda. I am so excited she is coming to eat with us. I don’t get to see her very often so when she told me she wanted to eat with us my heart filled with joy. I love to cook, so this just gives me an excuse to cook a really big meal for only 3 people. Yes we are having a whole turkey and ham. You can judge that’s fine, but we should be able to have a big meal to, so we are. This is my first time cooking a turkey, my first time hosting a big holiday, my first Thanksgiving being married and my first Thanksgiving in my own home. So I guess I do have things to be excited about.
