It’s Friday! I’m not the first person to say that Friday is the best… the anticipation of the weekend, an evening full of possibilities. There is so much to love about Friday. And this Friday is even more special because it’s one before a Monday holiday so our team gets a “free” half day, and I get to start the 3-day weekend even earlier!

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged but as I sip on an iced pumpkin spice latte (I’m a convert because of Starbuck’s pumpkin cream cold brew) and as I set aside my empty container of an Asian Quinoa Bowl (which was delicious), I am reflecting on all the blessings I have.

Kelsea Ballerini is one of my favorite country singers, and she released a brand new single today titled ‘What I Have’ and it’s a beautiful, calming love song… not about romantic love, but about life. It’s about being grateful for what we have, even with all that we still want.

*lyrics & Spotify link below

My neighbor's grass is the hit of the street
But that don't mean mine ain't just as green
I've been comparing shiny new toys
It's just the root of the thief of my joy
I know, that's just the pony show

'Cause I got a roof over my head
I got a warm body in bed
I'm doing alright right where I'm at
With what I have

I bought the shoes where the bottom is red
But who the hell am I tryin' to impress?
When you sit back, that's when you notice
The Joneses can't even keep up with the Joneses
I know, don't gotta shine to be gold

'Cause I got a roof over my head
I got a warm body in bed
I'm doing alright right where I'm at
With what I have

I got a Jeep, I got a dog
I got what they call a dream job
Plenty to want, nothing wrong with that
But I'm happy with what I have

I got the air, good eyes to see
Got so much more than I'll ever need
Even the bad days ain't all that bad
With what I have

I'm doing alright right where I'm at
With what I have

I especially love these verses: I’ve been comparing shiny new toys / It’s just the root of the thief of my joy and I got the air, good eyes to see / Got so much more than I’ll ever need / Even the bad days ain’t all that bad / With what I have

I think it’s also important that the song does not invalidate the wanting: Plenty to want, nothing wrong with that / But I’m happy with what I have

I love that a 3-min country song reminded me of how blessed I am. I was born in a generation deeply programmed to want shiny new things… we get our high from buying new stuff and never having enough. I’m not saying I will stop wanting new things and thinking that I need to have certain things. But I’m saying that every time I think of things I don’t have, I will be mindful and first be grateful for what I have.

Today, I am grateful for my parents, my friends, my cat, getting to do what I’m good at, my books, my sight, and as always, my salvation through Jesus.

Thank you for reading! I hope you get to spend the weekend being with people you love and doing the things that you love.

What did you think of Kelsea’s new single?

What is one thing you have that you’re grateful for today?