What am I thankful for?

 

I am thankful for my family, first of all, without them I would be no one.  I was raised in a family who cares very deeply for one another, and with each generation, the love grows more abundant.  I am thankful for my children, whom I love more than anything in this world. I never really knew the meaning of true, unreserved love until I held my children for the first time. For those who have children, you know what I’m talking about.  You would give your life in an instant to save your child’s, without hesitation. 

I am thankful for my faith, because when life becomes difficult, even almost unbearable -  I remember that there is a higher power that knows my fate and the reasons for my having to cope and muddle through. I know that there is ultimately better place, a better existence, and hopefully I will earn my way there one day and be with my loved ones that have passed on before me.  I try to remember to be thankful for the good times, because sometimes when life is going smoothly, it’s easy to forget to be thankful.  Even the smallest gifts in life should be cherished and not taken for granted.

I am thankful for joy – in any way it may come to me - in a song, a gift, a smile, an unexpected gesture from someone – because with joy we have pure, unadulterated happiness. 

Photo from: Lisalately.com

 

I am thankful for my health, because I know it can be taken away from me at any time. I have more to accomplish in this lifetime and I am thankful my health allows me the opportunity to do and learn more each day.

On a selfish note, I am thankful for vacations. I work very hard all year to enjoy a week of total relaxation and indulgence. I find my way to a beach, somehow, somewhere, either by driving east to the Atlantic coastline, or better yet, sailing to a Caribbean island, and just enjoy the peace and beauty it offers.  I gaze at the horizon, then close my eyes and feel the warm salty breeze, listen to the rhythmic waves and feel peace beyond words. I think heaven must be similar to this, at least for me.

Photo from: Palloc.com

I am thankful to have a job, when the economy is so trying - and to live in a free country, even when politics and our government seem to be awry. I think freedom is undervalued by some - people living in the U.S. should be thankful for their rights – the rest will work out – we just need to be patient.

I am thankful for life. This summarizes everything for me. I am alive and given the opportunity to experience all of these things, people, events, places, family, beauty, joy, freedom.  Life is a gift – everyone should do what they can to make the most of their life – work hard, enjoy the family and friends that are around you. Don’t take life for granted – give this life your all – make it count. Life is good.

Photo from: goodvibeads.com