"Reflect on your present blessings, of which every man has many; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."
Charles Dickens
It is SO easy to fixate on everything that is going wrong, so easy to overlook all of the blessings right in front of us. We expect them, they don't hurt, they don't make us worry, they don't cause us trouble -- so we tend to overlook them. The misfortunes -- they hurt, keep us up and night, and tend to lead to more misfortune -- these are what we dwell on, remember, and focus on.
I have so much to be thankful for, I have been so blessed.
I have suffered needlessly, and it has made me stronger.
I have made mistakes, repeatedly, and it has forced me to pay attention and remember.
I have worked hard and long, at the sacrifice of my family, friends and personal health, and it has allowed me to treasure my health and work much harder to protect it.
I have lived in darkness, which has made the light so much more beautiful.
I have lost, which eventually has always led to a win or gain of some type.
I have forgotten, which makes the memory that much more dear.
I have a job in which I am valued, which allows me to own my own place, travel, and eat well.
I have a family, who drives me crazy, is loud and boisterous, and has taught me about love.
I have skills and talents which bring me joy, and joy to those around me.
I enjoy many things, which allows me to receive the joy and talents of loved ones around me.
I am loved, even though I have done nothing to deserve it.
I have a second chance, and I intent to continue to grab it, each and every time it is offered.
I am thankful for many many things: for the food my family so lovingly prepared, for the fact that we don't see the need to copy the original pilgrim thanksgiving that probably included squirrel, that I have my health, that I have a circle of friends that force me to be a better person, that I have a family that allows me to screw up -- waiting patiently for me to return, that I have a job/car/house/health, for all of those people before me that were smart enough to invent all the cool stuff I use, for my cat Alex who keeps me entertained and warm at night since I'm too cheap to turn on the heat, for those who read my blog and allow me an outlet for all these thoughts that get stuck in my head, for You -- for listening/supporting/paying attention/modeling for me who I should be, for things good and bad that allow me to learn and grow each day.
What are you thankful for today?
I am thankful for a great God Who loves me, a family that tolerates me, and friends who encourage me. All else is extra-beautiful home, gardens, books, beaches-special only because I can share them with family and friends.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for a God who loves me and is always there when I need Him, time spent with family, my husband who puts up with all my mood swings, my home, my church family, my work and co-workers, my health and the health of my family . . .
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