Practicing Thankfulness
Last week we talked about happiness being found in our perception of what we have. With Thanksgiving two days away, this seems the perfect time to practice perceiving the abundance in our lives. Will you share your list? Here's mine:
My family...who wouldn't begin their list here?
- My parents and sister, my husband, my children and my in-laws-are all the most precious gifts I have. They love me unconditionally and encourage me daily.
- My children have special significance because they each have their story to tell of why they shouldn't be here. Their lives are a miracle-not in the general sense of "children are a miracle"-but each is a specific miracle of overcoming an in utero challenge that threatened their very existence.
Relationships...we women thrive off of these, don't we? I am grateful for all the people who have graced my life-some for a season, some for a lifetime-all for a purpose, not one by accident.
My home...though it often feels too small for the number of people and what we try to accomplish between its four walls, that fact is that it is more than sufficient. Everyone has a bed in which to sleep, and we have more than enough floor space for when we double our child occupancy (up to eight children) for sleepovers! We enjoy a roof that protects us from the elements. We walk on floors covered by carpet, wood, tile or linoleum. We have hot and cold running water that is safe to drink and provides for warm showers and toileting. We have central heat and air that warms and cools us. We enjoy walls that are painted and lovingly decorated.
Creature comforts...I enjoy modern conveniences like...
- dishwasher (that I whine over having to unload, after it has washed and-mostly-dried my dishes for me);
- clothes washer and dryer (see last week's post);
- disposal (my hat's off to those of you who compost);
- spray thingy in the sink (okay, so I'm not a plumber!) that helps me chase food down my disposal-didn't know how much I used it until I didn't have one; SO grateful I have one now-oh, the simple pleasures;
- microwave that keeps me from having to practice too much patience;
- telephone and cell phone that allow me to keep in touch with family far and near, no matter where I roam;
- computer which allows me my muse of writing;
- internet which connects me with friends and family when I'm awake while they are sleeping;
My car...we have a dependable vehicle that gets us where we need to be-and keeps us warm or cool to boot!
This blog...this month celebrates one year of penning thoughts on bringing balance into our lives and the privilege of reading your comments. I learn and grow with each post, each comment.
Are you sensing the list could go on and on? It could. There are so many blessings, big and small...I hope you will take a moment to share your blessings here.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving wherever-and with whomever-you spend it!