Take a minute (or 10) and consider the following: We often think of TGIF as thank god it's friday! What if we looked at it as trust, gratitude, inspiration and faith? What if every week you explored questions to each of these for questions? What might happen? #tgif #trust #gratitude #inspiration #faith #sarathomas Sara Thomas

March 22, 2019

TGIF

What a crazy week! It was a good crazy. But, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was looking forward to slowing down this weekend.

We’re heading into week 12 where I’m answering the following questions:
❶ What am I TRUSTING?
❷ For whom or what am I GRATEFUL?
❸ What is INSPIRING me?
❹ How am I practicing FAITH?

Take a minute (or 10) and consider the following: We often think of TGIF as thank god it's friday! What if we looked at it as trust, gratitude, inspiration and faith? What if every week you explored questions to each of these for questions? What might happen? #tgif #trust #gratitude #inspiration #faith #sarathomas Sara Thomas

Here’s TGIF, Week 12…

Trust

❶ What am I TRUSTING?
March Madness.

I’ll let you decide whether I’m referring to the NCAA basketball tournament or not. Just a reminder that anything can happen…on and off the court.

Who gets the top seed? Then, who is the first team out? And don’t forget Cinderella. While we often think about each of these in relation to the NCAA basketball tournament, the reality is, the basketball tournament is a reflection of life and leadership.

Sometimes we are surprised. At other times we are entertained. Still others, we find ourselves standing in awe of the people who find a way when there seems no way.

So whether your team is in, out, or never made it to the dance, the question is: are you still in the game?

Do you have a gratitude practice? Here's an opportunity to pause every week to consider four questions. TGIF just might mean: #trust #gratitude #inspiration #faith #tgif #sarathomas Sara ThomasGratitude

❷ For whom or what am I GRATEFUL?
I’m GRATEFUL for the opportunity I had this week to be with a group of leaders in the church looking to lead in new and different ways. They’re seeking to create new opportunities for people to encounter the love of God we know in Jesus. I am grateful for their desire to dream, pray, build, and collaborate in new ways.

In addition, on Monday, I wrote:

It was snowing when I went to bed last night. “It’s the middle of March!” I thought to myself.

That exclamation wasn’t in gratitude. I was annoyed.

I woke up this morning, went about my morning routine, then opened the front door to this beautiful scene.

While I’m more than ready for spring to be here, I choose to be grateful for this one last gift of the beauty of winter (without the mess).

I’m sure by mid-afternoon, the snow-lined branches will disappear, the soft pillows of white fluff will melt into the ground, and this picture will fade into memory.

Sometimes, we just need to rest, to sleep, to see things in a whole new way.

Thank you, Monday…
Thank you for a reminder that perspectives can change and we have the power to make gratitude a practice.

Inspiration

❸ What is INSPIRING me?
The leaders I know who continue to seek ways to create places for people to have difficult conversations around important topics.

Faith

❹ How am I practicing FAITH?
I’m probably repeating myself. Galatians 4 is how I’m practicing faith this week. Looking forward to sharing more come 4/22.

What’s your TGIF?