My college does not get a whole week out for Thanksgiving break. I had to go home for a wedding the weekend before, even though I still had two days of classes the next week. I was enjoying being at home a little too much and decided to stay for one more night of sleep in my bed.. completely in denial to the fact that I had an 8 AM math class and a 9 AM test. I woke up at 5:30 to get ready for my commute back to school. This particular morning was predicted to have the coldest temperatures since February!!! I made a cup of coffee then bundled up in a long sleeve and jacket. I jumped in the car and turned the heat on full blast in hopes that it would soon warm up.

The temperature of my thermostat said 29 degrees. Twenty minutes into my ride, my hands were still numb from being cold and my toes felt like blocks of ice. I was trying to stay optimistic so I just told myself that it was not warm yet because it was simply so cold outside. Well... I was wrong. Y'all, I had to drive two hours, on the coldest morning in nine months, with a broken heater. I tell you all of this to tell you about something amazing that happened..

God spoke to me through my broken heater.

No, I did not literally hear a voice coming through my car vents but I did hear God. My cold ride back to Milledgeville made me stop and truly listen to God. I may have a broken heater but I am still so blessed. I woke up with the ability to walk and talk with decent health. I have a car to drive, money for gas, and the opportunity for higher education. I have appropriate weather clothes and shoes to wear and coffee to drink. I have technology to use to study while I am driving (genius study tip: record yourself reading your notes then play it over your radio). I had a hot meal for supper the night before, took a bath in clean, hot water, and slept on a bed in the warmth of my house. I have family and friends who love and care for me. Best of all, I have a Savior who loves me despite my short comings.

I have been blessed with so much that I often take for granted. Although my teeth were chattering in the cold and my feet were numb inside, I was warm on the inside. I was happier and more grateful during that cold two hour ride than I had been in a while. I was happy because I had taken time to forget about the school work, relationships, and other negative events. I listened to God and felt His love comfort me as I chose to focus on all of the blessings I have been showered in.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,
for His steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm 107:1 esv