Thanksgiving

After so much doom and gloom in my life lately, I have decided to focus on the massive amounts of things I have to be thankful for. I feel that when it comes to the line between pessimist and optimist, I often lean too far over the former. When someone asks me how things are going in my life, my first instinct is to shrug and say (in somewhat Eeyore-style), "Ok." It seems the first things that pop into my head are the struggles/trials/downers. It is truly a struggle for me to CHOOSE joy every single day. And I know that it is a choice. "Happiness" and true, God-given "joy" are VERRRRY different, but I often find myself only wanting to pursue that feeling of happiness.

And so, I present to you things I am thankful for (in no particular order):

my marriage and the man who makes up my better half
my healthy, boisterous, SO loving son
God's infallible Word for guidance and encouragement
music
that Sanjaya was finally voted off American Idol!!! :)
books
my friends and the second family they are to me
spring
sunshine
unconditional love
my job - Christian co-workers, 3 months off :)
parents who have been unconditionally supportive Christ-like examples; they have often been my level heads when I am not
selfless Christian in-laws
my incredible brother (and his safety in Iraq) and beautiful sister-in-law
all four grandparents who are still living
my brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law/nieces/nephews: I couldn't have hand-picked a better family to marry into
health
people who exemplify Christ to me
working cars (for now.... :) )
a cozy house in a neighborhood that has not evidenced any (much?) crime to date
my bed
God meeting my daily needs and beyond
great big hugs and kisses
wise and God-enlightened people who can interpret and share God's word with me
the convenience of modern technology
silence
peace that transcends my understanding
always God's light at the end of the world's tunnels
soft, sandy beaches with waves licking at the sand

I could add so much more to the list....for now I simply breathe, Thank you God. This is the day you have made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it.