So, the year has flown by and it's already Thanksgiving Day! I decided to try and make a list of all the things I am thankful for, and happy to have. It was harder to accomplish than I thought it would be, but only because the list became far too long! I think probably everyone knows that I am a self-proclaimed Pessimistic, Cynical Doomsayer to whom the glass is ALWAYS half-empty (or a Realist, as I call it), so it was actually surprisingly reassuring to me somehow that my "thankful list" was so darn long. I know that I tend to dwell on the things in my life that aren't going well, or maybe even not happening at all, and I probably don't spend enough time dwelling on, or even noticing the things in my life that are going well.
So, on that note, here is my list of things I am thankful for....
1. Colby. He is the most amazing person I know. He is such a wonderful father to our three (mostly) wonderful and adorable children, and he works so hard to provide for us and make us all happy. He is unfailingly devoted and caring, thoughtful and kind. I love him, I adore him, and I am eternally grateful to have the honor of calling him my husband.
2. My kids. They are such a joy and treasure to me. Savannah is so sweet, thoughtful, and sensitive. I can see so much of her Dad in her, and I love it!! She is the first person to notice if someone feels sad, and the first person to try and help cheer them up. Whether it is a card, drawing a picture, giving a big hug, or just sitting close, she is always thinking of others and thinking of ways to love and serve them. I adore her kind and unselfish spirit.
Charlotte is my little Princess. She is such a funny little girl, and she makes every day seem like a Tea Party. She loves princesses, fairies, fancy dresses, crowns, magic wands, high heeled shoes, jewelry, and anything even remotely frilly and fluffy. She is also a good helper. She loves to mimic everything Savannah says and does. It is a riot.
Barrett is my little boy. He loves cars, trucks, baseball, football, and anything that can be used as a gun or a sword. He has helped me discover and cultivate my inner pirate! He also loves to torment and annoy his sisters at every possible opportunity. Colby assures me this is perfectly normal behavior for a brother, and that I should just laugh instead of trying to "fix" him. But, in addition to his teasing, he can also be very kind and sensitive. He loves to give hugs, and he almost always says "sorry" and he almost always means it! They are so much fun, and sometimes so much to handle, but through it all, I feel I have been able to capture just a small glimpse of the love that Heavenly Father must feel for us.
3. Family. Beyond my husband and children, I have a wonderful extended family. They are so willing to help and sustain us through whatever trials we may be going through. I am thankful for the wisdom and abiding love of our parents. Whatever good we may have accomplished, it can most likely be traced back to the root of something our parents taught us.
4. Home. I am grateful for a place to live that is safe and secure. I think of all the places in the world where that is not always the way of life, and it makes me feel terrible that I am not more conscious of my blessings. I live in a country that, for all it's trials and problems, is pretty safe and sound. I can live where I wish in whatever house I wish; I can pursue any type of education and job vocation I wish; and pretty much have a life that is entirely of my own making, be it great or not-so-great. Freedom, a gift and blessing I definitely have not been appreciative of.
5. Health. How thankful I am for good health! My children are all happy, healthy and stable, my husband is healthy, what more could I possibly ask for? I know there are people in the world who struggle with various health issues, and it makes me feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the blessings of my family's health. The occasional head cold or flu that we experience is nothing compared to some of the trials others face.
6. Religion. I am truly thankful for religion, and not only for my own particular religious affiliation. I am thankful that the world is full of people who do believe in God, and do their best to try and follow Him, and pattern their lives after Him. I think that most people do believe in God, and that they want leaders in government who are morally upstanding and religious men and women. Whatever denomination of religiosity they align themselves to, I am thankful for people who believe in and follow the Lord. Despite the media and pop culture of our society today, not everyone believes the United States should be an explicitly atheist country with almost no morals and no "clearly right or wrong" lines drawn regarding choices and behavior.
7. Time. This is an odd one, perhaps, but I am thankful for Time. Not only for the wonderful time I have already enjoyed in my life, but for time yet to come. I anxiously look forward to the days when my children are older, and I can see their personalities grow and their lives build and move forward. I look forward to the time when I may actually have more time to spend with Colby. But I am also thankful for time, because it gives me hope. Hope that with time, I may be better able to control my temper; that I may find better ways to study and learn; that I may begin to comprehend the measure of Colby's love for me (even as I write that, I blush and feel totally self-conscious and unworthy), and that in time, I may be able to help Colby understand and comprehend the depth of my love for him. Really, with Time, there is so much to ponder, and so much that just may happen.
Well, that is the very shortened version of my "thankful list." I am truly grateful for all that the Lord has given me, and I hope that I may be able to develop a more grateful and thankful heart, and be more aware of the blessings He gives me, in spite of my many mortal failings.
Happy Thanksgiving!
