This is the season. The season when we take the time to look at the "things" in our life and remind ourselves of fhose which we are thankful. I know many bloggers and have many Facebook friends who through this month of November have been writing about one thing they are thankful for on a daily basis. Some of them are simple, some of them are more complex all of them have their significance.
My bloggy friend Jennifer Juniper is hosting a party. A thankful/favorite things party where we have been asked to list 10 things we are thankful for. I think this is a fabulous way to kick off this week of Thanksgiving.
So, in no particular order 10 things I am thankful for:
1. My Husband. He is the man I can tell anything to. He loves me, supports our family, makes me laugh, plays, works hard and keeps me balanced. Life without him in it would be dreary.
2. My Children. All three of them are unique. They are loving and giving. Their laughter is contagious and their sadness makes my heart ache. They grow up too fast and I am trying to not get lost in the rush of life and finding ways to enjoy each and every moment. Even if it is arguing with my 3rd grader over math homework (oh the stories I can tell his future bride).
3. My Health. I love to exercise. You can find me running, spinning, or lifting weights on any given day. Last Monday I slipped on a patch of ice and attempted to do the splits, much to the disagreement of my right hamstring. I felt a pop and haven't been able to run since. I know it's only been a week, but for me to not be able to run is putting a damper on my mood. Running for me is my release, it's when I pray, when I think and when I plan. I take it for granted that I can run and not being able to has made me very thankful for my health.
4. My family's health. We have no disorders, no major illnesses or injuries and for this I am thankful. Action was up vomiting last Friday morning at 1:30 am and stayed home from school. Sassy's body gave in to the same bug in the wee hours of Saturday. So, yes we have our bouts of scrapes and bruises and colds and stomach bugs. But overall everyone is healthy.
5. Church. For me church is a place of peace. A place I can go and feel peace, no matter what is going on in my life, the country or the world.
6. My Parents, Siblings and the rest of my family. We may not see each other a lot, but we can always rely on each other. We challenge each other, frustrate each other and make each other smile. How dull life would be without family.
7. My Friends. People to laugh with, cry with and to find solace in. Friends can come in and out of your life. But I believe every one of my friends was put into my life at the time I needed them most. Sometimes people change, circumstances change and people move on, but their significance and the memories made are everlasting. And isn't it funny how with the internet, you can be "friends" with someone you've never met them in person. The world is a crazy place :)
9. Food. Water. Necessities. Could you imagine.... no food..... no water ~ or only unsanitary water? I can't. So for those I am thankful.
10. Computers, Internet and Technology. What an amazing way to connect with and meet people, to share pictures and information. To learn, to research, to gather "facts" and I will absolutely admit, to assist with 6th grade homework.
There is so much more that I am thankful for, but these people and things are absolute. Unfortunately, I don't always take the time to remember that I have clean water to drink, although so many don't. That I have a sturdy home that I love (just realized my house didn't make my list!). A house that provides us protection and warmth, but also a foundation to create and build traditions and memories. Too many people in our own cities live on the streets and in homeless shelters wondering where their next meal will come or how they will feed their children.
I am blessed with so much and I am thankful. And remember you can create better days for everyone you come in contact with ~ a smile given, a door held, an ear opened to listen, a simple "thank-you", the respect of putting down your cell phone when you are checking out at a store. These little things can make someone thankful for you ~ for being in their lives at that exact moment. Maybe you are exactly what they need on that day.
What are you thankful for? Leave a comment here, or better yet, come up with your 10 things and link up with Jennifer (let me know you did!)
2 comments:
That is a great list and I'm sure my hamstring wouldn't agree with any splits either!
Love your list, Wendy! #8... too funny because it is so true! lol
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