[12:51pm]

Currently in the lab, and today my energy levels are running a little low so I’m just sorting data. I woke up randomly at 4am and I couldn’t go back to sleep, so I got up and started my day. I also went for a run, so I have a sneaking suspicion that the early wake time (not enough rest) plus the run had a compounding effect. Anyway, I also couldn’t go back to bed ‘cause my mom is retiring today! I ordered a cake for her to surprise her and I was really excited for her to get it. I really wanted her to feel appreciated; she has worked really hard for many years now, and has been the sole provider of the household. Shout out to her!

Anyway, on my run today, I listened to a sermon that was based on Luke 5 (or 17?), not sure. But, the overall theme was gratitude. The pastor said so many good points, but the ones that stuck out to me the most were:

-As people, we take for granted the things that are consistent in our lives; we start to feel entitled to them. Food, water, roofs over our heads, God’s goodness (mhm!).

-If you want to know where you have an issue of entitlement, check what you’re constantly complaining about.

-Gratitude is what brings about joy, not the other way around.

The whole sermon really checked me with every single line. I have noticed recently that I tend to complain alot (and I’m embarrassed to realize that it has probably been evident in my posts as well). It’s gotten to a point where it just feels natural, and it gets even worse when I’m around people that complain too; it makes me feel validated. *sigh* I really need to meditate on this because when I say this is a DEEP problem for me, I mean it. I’m thinking, maybe from now, at the end of each post, I could write one (or more if I’m up to it) thing that I’m grateful for. I’ve realized that I keep saying I want to learn contentment, but now I’m like ‘How’s that possible with all the complaining, and none of the gratitude?’.

I’m currently reading through Psalms, and the pattern I’m seeing is that one thing about David, he will share with God exactly how he feels, but at the end of the day, he believes that God and His word have the last say. He will rant on and on and on as he goes through his trials, but at the end of the passage, you’ll see Him praise God and thank Him for the victory (even if it hasn’t come to pass yet). It’s such a strong, beautiful, confident faith in God. A faith that knows that first of all, I can tell God even when I’m not feeling good, but at the end of the day, I know God’s got me. Wow.

Today, I’m really grateful for my mom, and all that she has done for us. She had to set aside some of her dreams and wants to be able to provide for everyone else. I really hope one day I could help her fully dive into one of the things she’s always wanted to do.

What are you thankful for?

-Moonie x.

Photo Context: Last year in the summer was when I had begun looking for some dessert ideas with less sugar, and this was one of the first things I made: oatmeal raisin cookies 🍪 I used coconut oil as a substitute for butter, and honey as a sugar substitute. I think I also used half wholewheat, half all purpose flour. They were actually really good!