So Many Reasons To Be Thanful!

It's Thanksgiving. The day the nation sets aside for family, friends, laughs, food, and giving thanks! I often get caught up in the hum-drum of everyday life, where it's easy to complain and criticize. It's easy to take for granted the people that surround us and the life we live.

I have so many reasons to be thankful. Here's just a short list of some of my top:

• My family and friends who love me-unconditionally!
• I have a job that I love (most of the time!)
• Dave-who is my best friend even when we don't see eye to eye
• My house that provides me comfort with heat and furniture
• My paycheck (although very small) which allows me to eat and take care of myself
• Hannah and Caleb who remind me what it's like to be a kid and who always forgive me for the mistakes I make while I still learn the best way to be a step-mom
• My dad and Diane who I know will always be there for me when I need them...whenever I call.
• Keely who I see as the strength of the family, who is there ready to listen or laugh, who loves me and always offers to do anything I need.
• Kim and Glenn who are always there, just a phone call away. They listen and teach Dave and I daily what marriage looks like and should be.
• My grandparents who mean the world to us-'nuff said
• My Gramma who turned 91 yesterday and answered the phone sounding like she was 30
• The fact that I am able to get out of bed at 4:45 am, go to Meijer and wait in line for 45 minutes, get home at 6:50, make chewy pumpkin caramel bars and spice cake whoopee pies all before 8:15 am (as I am typing this.)
• The face that I live in America and that means I get to choose--on a lot of different levels
• Dave and both have cars that provide us with transportation (even if they are loud and sound like a jet plane!)
• My friend Lisa--who is just now learning just how beautiful she is, both inside and out and how strong of woman she is becoming!
• God-whom I know NEVER LETS GO OF ME!

My mind is twirling with thankfulness today. I wonder what the world would look like if it were Thanksgiving everyday (minus the Turkey and stuffing of course!) If we all stopped complaining and criticizing and just took a minute to be grateful and give thanks for the gifts before us. Wow. In my mind that could be really powerful!

Maybe I'll start something.