Time to be Thankful

In honor of Thanksgiving (can't believe it's only two days away!), I thought I'd make a list of things I am thankful for. It may be here to remind you of what you are thankful for, it may be here to encourage you to appreciate the many blessings but mainly it's here for me . . . to remember all the blessings and joys in my life. Life can be crazy and transitional and unknown and ever-changing and frustrating and wonderful and inspiring and challenging . . . but there are ALWAYS many things to be thankful for. Mostly, I need to stop my whining about the things that are "hard" and focus on just how incredible this life is.

For a God that is always perfect . . . who created me and loves me through all of my flaws and my lack of understanding just how perfect He is. And for the assurance of my salvation . . . "Jesus loves me this I know . . . for the bible tells me so." Sounds so simple - and yet so profound.

For a husband who loves me in spite of and because of who I am. Who truly is my partner in life . . . I wouldn't want to do this with anyone else. He makes it about so much more each day then the dailies . . .

For two beautiful girls that cause me more irritation, more surprise, more work, more emotion and more joy than anything else in my life. It's hard to remember life before them . . . they've given my life so much depth.

For friends that rally around and make this life more fun . . . who make me laugh, who make mac n cheese a gourmet meal, who challenge me to be a better wife and mom, and who stand and cheer by my side what ever the race of the moment is I'm running.

For an extended family that surrounds us, loves us, and adds so much to our lives.

For Trav's steady job. We are not millionaires . . . we don't eat steak everyday (or ever! :) but we have a regular paycheck and I don't take lightly how many don't.

For health and strength . . . I don't think one is truly able to appreciate something to it's fullest until it is taken away and may never be returned . . . I am deeply truly thankful for where I am at today.

For the "little things" that make my day . . .
            coffee
            books
            blogs
            holiday creamers (pumpkin spice and pepper mocha currently in my fridge)
            games (board games or card games . . . love them)
            new box of crayons
            apples (yum)
            green desk from Nana (makes me happy to look at it everyday)
            text messages
            crock pot
            Costco (and Target, of course - see earlier posts for my odes! :)
            scrapbooks
            cozy blankets
            sweats
            nail polish
            email
            cards
            church
            laughing
            memories

I realized I could go all day with all the little and big things that I am so thankful for. And I have to admit, I started this day with a less-than-thankful attitude. It's a whole lot easier to focus on what's not done and needs to be done and needs to be decided and I am not a patient waiter. I could write pages here on the things that need to be fixed right now (for example, my washer that started gushing water last night . . . come on repair man - ring my doorbell) and the things I am tired of and the things I feel like will never end. And yet, when I stopped to write this post and forced myself to write a list, I feel a whole lot more thankful. The world didn't change. The washer is still broken . . . questions are left unanswered . . . frustrations are still frustrating. But what a change in perspective. God is perfect . . . all the time . . . and He's put me here for "such a time as this."

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to post my rantings and ravings and revelations and memories and general life here . . . and I hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving . . . that you are filled with much more than turkey and stuffing . . . that you are filled with a sense of gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving