Thanksgiving Week Thoughts

I've got lots to be thankful for this holiday season. Most of what comes to mind are the important things many other people are grateful for, too, like my family, friends, and faith. In this post I want to dig a little deeper, to remind myself of the little things that help make my life special.

I'm thankful for (in no particular order):

Books that entertain me

Pets that love me unconditionally, or at least tolerate me

Red tea. It's one of the few things I can drink that are good for me that I actually like.

Days with temps in the 50s, and no sun, so I can play outside. Today is one of those days, and I've had a great time doing yard work and taking pictures.

My camera. I love digital cameras even though I can't figure out which setting to use for a particular picture to come out right.

Computers. I love having access to whatever I want to know without having to drive to the library and dig through outdated stuff to find answers.

Birds. I enjoy watching them fly around my house, or perch in my trees. I don't even really mind if they build nests in my garage, though I'd prefer it if they just lived outside.

Sisters and brothers. I know they count as family, but it's just so special having them. I think those who don't have any or don't get along with theirs are missing one of the greatest blessings in life.

I'm sure there are many more blessings I could list, but I'm going to spend the rest of the morning getting ready for one of the best at this time of year: My kids are coming home for Thanksgiving, and I want the house to be clean and welcoming for them.

Favorite Way of Starting My Day

This morning I feel so incredibly blessed. I slept in till 7am, fed my cats and then sat down with a steaming cup of blueberry-flavored coffee. Within minutes my favorite cat cuddled on my lap, my second favorite cat curled up by my knees, and my least favorite cat sat on the back of my recliner, slapping me gently with his tail as he watched the droplets of rain running down the window behind us. My 9-year-old puppy laid next to my chair, hoping for a little attention. My son is taking care of the truck stuff I used to have to do, leaving me free to just sit there, enjoying my morning and the adoration of my little furry friends. If I had a laptop, I would be sitting there still.

Counting My Blessings

It's easy to get caught up in problems and petty complaints and to forget how much we have to be thankful for. Here's a quick list, in no particular order, certainly not even close to complete, of people and things I am grateful for:

My family, who loves me whether I deserve it or not.
My friends, who like me whether I deserve it or not.
My pets, who love me because I deserve it. ;)
My home, which needs a lot of work but is still nicer than I deserve.
My Savior, who died for me though I don't deserve it, and who has a comfy spot with my name on it reserved in Heaven.

That list sounds like I may have low self-esteem, but that's not the case. I just realize that I have been blessed beyond what so many others in this world receive--the destitute, the lonely, the chronically ill, the emotionally broken, and those who live in places without freedom and safety. My life is easy by comparison, and I am truly grateful for all I have, and the country I live in.

What a Nice Day

I had a lovely time visiting with my mom, 2 sisters, brother, and nephew today. My family doesn't get together as much as I'd like; we're separated by miles and years of being independent adults. But whenever I'm with them, I remember a childhood filled with love and mutual acceptance. No matter our differences, or how seldom we see each other, I am truly grateful and blessed to have such a great family.

Love you!

Promoting a Positive Outlook

Thought for Today:

If you focus on the negative, you'll overlook many positives in your life.

I'm trying to keep a more upbeat outlook on things. With all the worries about the economy, crime, declining morals, etc., this world can appear pretty dismal. However, there is also much to appreciate, and people who are loving, kind, and generous. The good far outways the bad for most of us, and I'm grateful for the blessings in my life.