I have a lot of things to be thankful for this year, and it’s easy for me to lose sight of them. It’s easy for me to focus on financial struggles, the clutter in my living room, the mounting pile of laundry, my daughter’s exhaustion-fueled bad attitude. Thanksgiving encourages me to spend time with my family, the most important people in the world to me, and to focus on all of the blessings I have in my life. I hope that you take the time to do the same.
Enjoy your feasts, your time with your loved ones and at some point, murmur a little gratitude for every good thing in your life. There’s someone out there who wishes they had it so good.
1. I am thankful for this little townhouse that has become our home. The walls aren’t all painted, some of the carpet needs to be replaced, and there’s dirt on my kitchen floor, but it’s ours. With all we’ve been through in the past few years, we’re lucky to have kept the roof over our heads. It’s ours, and I’m grateful for it.
2. I am thankful for the public library. I’ve loved to read for as long as I can remember, to escape into a well-woven story that takes me to a different place and time. But y’know what? Books are expensive! We couldn’t afford my book habit once we bought a house and had a baby, so instead I signed up with the local library and there are times when it feels like my second home in there. I’m grateful for the chance to foster my love of reading while still managing to pay the gas bill.
3. I am thankful for the health of my husband and daughter. A friend’s cousin welcomed his twins into the world this week and one has already passed from this world with the other likely to follow soon. A poster from my cooking board gave birth to her son and, in the process, almost lost her life. She’s become a medical miracle, but in reading her story, I’ve been staggered by how easily it can all slip away. We have coughs and colds and they feel miserable when they plague us, but heavens, it could be so much worse. I’m grateful that we can each get out of bed every day and go through life.
4. I am thankful for good music, good food, good friends, good times. I am lucky to have friends with whom I can share a roll of sushi, a pot of fondue, a concert, a trip to the mall, or just a lazy evening in with pizza and a movie. I’m grateful for the time I spend with the people I cherish.
5. I am thankful for my parents and my sisters. I come from a close-knit family and as I get older, I realize how rare that can be. No matter what happens in my life, I know that I have parents and siblings who are there for me. They’re there to share in my triumphs or provide a shoulder to cry on when things are rough. I’m grateful for their love and their presence in my life.
6. I am thankful for sandy beaches, crashing waves, clean spring breezes, shoulder-warming sunshine, scarlet and golden fall leaves, the smell of snow in the air. We live in a beautiful work of art and if I make an effort to stop and look around once in awhile, I’m reminded to be grateful for the beauty that abounds in the world.
7. I am thankful for my husband. I fell in love with him 6 years ago, and today I love him more than I ever imagined possible. He accepts me when I’m cranky, he deals with me when I’m moody, he’s endlessly proud of my accomplishments and holds me when I cry. He listens. He supports me. He loves me to a degree that I’m not sure I deserve, but I’m certainly grateful for it.
8. I am thankful for my daughter. She came into my life 3 1/2 years ago and I haven’t stopped being in awe since. In her eyes I see the reason for being that I was always searching for. In her smile I see the brightest, warmest burst of beauty. In her laugh I hear the sound of angels. In her hugs I feel my heart burst with joy. She is my center. My all. I never knew I could love a single creature as much as I love my girl, and I am so grateful for her.
Love to you all, and best wishes for a happy holiday!
