Earlier this week I was in our back yard cleaning up after our dogs when I noticed under a pile of leaves a long string attached to an old, deflated balloon. The moment I saw it, a flood of emotions hit me and my eyes welled up with tears.

It just so happens that balloon had come to rest in the very spot where one year ago Brittany and I stood to film our pregnancy announcement video — a video where we released a big bunch of balloons and jumped for joy at the news we would soon have a baby.

I couldn’t help but think about how my perspective changed when my focus shifted to that balloon instead of the piles of dog waste that surrounded me. I was overwhelmed with emotion and thankfulness as I thought about how God answered our prayers for a child, and I had the biggest smile on my face as I finished picking up all the poop (which probably looked really strange if any of my neighbors caught a glimpse).

My hope and prayer is that this season of thankfulness propels Brittany and I to not only look for more balloons, but to be a balloon for those who need a lift. I’m praying that God opens our eyes to see the needs of those around us, and I’m also praying for the willingness to exchange convenience for compassion if it means going out of our way to serve others.

Will you join us in word and in deed? Share if you agree!

In case you missed it, this was our pregnancy announcement from Thanksgiving weekend in 2016. ❤