RevGal Friday 5: Unexpected Thanks

Jan writes:

With the American holiday of Thanksgiving being less than a week away, I tried to think of some questions for Friday Five that could be connected to this, but in a new way. So here is my one try:


Name five things that were unexpected in your life that you are now grateful for.

1. Merkin & Ainsley were complete surprises and I can't imagine my life without them!  Valerie was hoped for and planned and I'm just as grateful for her (can't mention just one of my girls!)!
2. CPE & the preaching group I've been "ordered/suggested" to take by the conference ordination board.  It was terribly hurtful in the way they instructed me to take CPE and the "preaching coach" (have you ever heard of such a thing?  my DS hadn't!) but CPE & the preaching group my DS helped to get started so I could have a "preaching coach" have been very helpful to my personal and professional development as a human being and as a pastor.
3. Getting moved to Northwest Missouri and pastoring 2 small churches--one of which is literally in a cornfield!
4.  Attending the Putting It On Paper writer's workshop at the Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research and having it completely paid for by the Lily Foundation.  It was a dream come true and even better than what I had envisioned!
5. My call to ministry--neither myself nor anyone I know of would have imagined that I'd grow up and become a minister! I'm grateful for this tremendous surprise as it has been a wonderful blessing in my and my family's lives!

Lastly, a big "Thank You!" to Jan for a fabulous Friday 5!

Oh and be sure to check out Holiday Dinner at Work of the People! 
(sorry, I tried to post the video here but I couldn't get it to work)