I celebrated my fiftieth birthday last weekend. Since then, I have taken some time to reflect on my life — not just on what I have, but on Who has carried me. My life has not always been easy. It has not been perfect. There have been seasons marked by fear, struggle, pain, uncertainty, and deep wrestling. Yet through every chapter, one truth remains unwavering:
God has been good to me.
Not because my circumstances were perfect — but because He is perfect.
This list of fifty things I am thankful for is not a celebration of a trouble-free life. It is a testimony of a faithful God who has met me time and time again with grace, provision, healing, patience, and unwavering love. It is evidence that even when life felt fragile, confusing, or overwhelming, God never stopped being kind. Truly, His goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life (Psalm 23:6)!
Fifty Things I’m Thankful For at Age Fifty
- Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross — He died to pay the price for my sin
- God’s grace that meets me even in my weakness
- God’s Word that anchors me when life feels uncertain
- The family of God who have walked with me through every season
- A healthy, able body — not perfect, but sustained by His mercy and grace
- The ability to see and read
- The ability to communicate my thoughts and needs
- Opportunities to learn and be educated
- The courage to try new things
- The freedom to make new choices based on what I am learning
- God’s provision to complete a Master’s degree at age 46
- That God never gives up on me
- God’s healing and restoration in my recovery from an eating disorder
- The privilege of living in Canada — imperfect, yet still a privilege to live here
- The warmth of the sun
- The beauty of all four seasons
- Freshly fallen snow
- The vastness of the ocean
- Sunrises that take my breath away — especially on Florida’s east coast
- Watching sea turtles hatch and journey toward the sea
- My husband, who has loved me faithfully through thick and thin
- God sustaining our marriage for nearly 28 years
- My daughter — sweet, courageous, compassionate, musical and generous
- My son — loyal, committed, determined, kind and far braver than I was at his age
- My son-in-law — loves God and my daughter well, always welcomes his crazy in-laws and cooks my tuna well done (although that’s not the way it’s supposed to be)
- God’s constant care and protection over my children
- My dog — the last thing I thought I’d be thankful for! He’s taught me to be more patient (as my impatience has been exposed). He’s a fluffy, crazy cuddle-muffin who makes me laugh nearly every day
- My parents — the beginning of my earthly story
- My sisters who bring laughter and lightness
- My nieces and nephews, who each hold a special place in my heart
- My Oma and Opa, whose courageous journey across the ocean shaped my legacy
- Music — my lifelong refuge and source of joy; a true gift from God
- The ability to sing and play instruments
- The privilege of teaching music
- The many music students God has entrusted to me
- Singing with my daughter, especially when my son plays the drums — sacred and unforgettable moments
- The full spectrum of emotions God’s given me
- Laundry machines in my home
- Freshly washed bedding
- A closet full of clothes
- The gift of choice — in thought, focus, and daily living
- A warm, safe, secure home
- Quiet moments to savour life
- Twinkling lights on a Christmas tree
- Cards in the mail that remind me I am remembered and loved
- Friends who pray, encourage, and walk faithfully beside me
- A good cup of coffee — especially an extra hot latte
- Herbal tea — my evening ritual
- The gift of food — once feared, now celebrated
- Books — I appreciate paper books and am thankful for my little collection of books
Looking back, I don’t see perfection. I see God.
I see His hand in the detours.
His mercy in the mess.
His presence in the pain.
His goodness in the waiting.
Fifty years have shown me that gratitude is not about pretending life is easy. It is about declaring that God is faithful — even when circumstances are challenging.
And if this is what God’s goodness has looked like so far, I trust Him with what is still to come. He is the One who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than I ask, think or imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21)! He alone is worthy of our praise!