Thankful

Gratefulness seems to be a lost art. Checkers at the grocery store are astounded by a "Thank you" from customers. The bank teller was floored by my "Thanks for your help today." It seems that we have forgotten the power of being thankful. So today, in tune with the season, I want to be appreciative to the One who has created my life.

I'm thankful for my sweet husband of nine and half years. I'm thankful for our ability to laugh and work together. I'm thankful that we love spending time together. I'm thankful for our partnership in raising our kids.

I'm thankful for all three of my beautiful kids. I'm thankful for their health and vitality, even when its overwhelming. I'm thankful for all the ways they remind me of someone and for all the ways they are unique. I'm thankful their little hearts that already love God.

I'm thankful for my job. I'm thankful that I can help support our family financially while still being a full time mom. I'm thankful for the opportunity to serve and be creatively challenged by what I do professionally.

I'm thankful for our extended family. I'm thankful that they live close enough to see them regularly. I'm thankful for traditions that we share in each holiday season and for new things we do to explore the meaning of Christmas.

I'm thankful for our church. I'm thankful for the way she challenges me to live in community with those that are different. I'm thankful for a place to serve. I'm thankful for a group of people who are concerned with the spiritual health of my family.

I'm thankful for friends. I'm thankful for times to laugh together, shop together, read together. I'm thankful for the chance to be authentic and safe. I'm thankful for similarities and differences to make life richer.

I'm thankful for our home. I'm thankful for a place that is ours. I'm thankful for the lights of Christmas that surround me now. I'm thankful for the memories in every corner of this house.

I'm thankful for the journey called life. I'm thankful for the chance to grow and be changed more into the image of Jesus. I'm thankful for the ups and downs that remind me of where my true home is. I'm thankful for each passing day.

What are you thankful for?