Scrapbook Gratitude.

It never ceases to amaze me how a scrapbook can communicate a message in a way that nothing else can. My daughter and I worked together to make this "Thank You A-Z" book for her preschool teacher from last year; granted, we just gave it to her last week (Kennedy is now in kindergarten) but you know how the saying goes: Better late than never! The time spent hand-crafting a scrapbook to give as a gift really gives the heart, mind and soul the chance to cultivate a deep level of gratitude. Many times, in the fast-paced busyness that characterizes our culture, the cultivation of gratitude does not have time to fully develop. A scrapbook necessitates slowing down, enjoying the feel of paper and buttons and ribbon, planning and organizing, and just enjoying the process of artistic creation. And there is just something about creating art that opens the heart to joys like gratitude, and connection, and simplicity.

Today's letter of gratitude goes out to my cherished friend, Tonya. As far as number of days goes, I have really not known Tonya for very long. But in the language of the heart and soul, I feel like we are long-time friends and sisters in Christ. Tonya and I have worked together a lot over the past few months as we have planned, organized, and launched CompassKIDS!, the kids' program in our new church. When we get together, Tonya and I spend a lot of time dreaming, vision-casting and just plain laughing as we work for these kids. More times than not, our meetings are 75% dreaming and 25% taking care of the "nitty-gritty" to-do's of children's ministry, but it is good. So good. So good to connect with someone at the heart level. So good to enjoy the gift of laughter. I have learned a lot from Tonya about living with passion, and motherhood, and laughter, and just plain authentic being. She is one of those people who puts others at ease immediately, who can laugh at herself even in the midst of stress, and who just makes people feel good about themselves. She is a very gifted woman, and I consider her friendship to be a big-red-ribbon-and-bow package straight from God. So thanks, Tonya, for your amazing passion for and commitment to kids, and for just being real. I greatly look forward to deepening our friendship and continuing our playing and dreaming in the coming year.