I am thankful....

Because being thankful means giving praise for blessings, both big and small, to a wonderful Creator, Son and Holy Spirit. I am thankful.
I am thankful for my husband-no one else on earth "gets" me like he does. He keep me sane, he lends me his hope when I have none. There is joy and comfort in knowing that he treasures me just as much as I him.
I am thankful for good health and good finances.
I am thankful for having a career that blesses me on a daily basis. Teaching young children is something that comes naturally to me, and I am grateful to say that I love my job. Most of the time.
I am thankful for a church family that is accepting of me and mine. There's no strings attached to that acceptance; any and all service given to our church can come directly from my desire to serve God.
I am thankful for my extended family. My parents gave me the gift of unconditional love. I only hope I can return their investment in my own children. My in-laws raised an amazing son-he is everything a wife and mother could possibly hope for for her own little family, and I am grateful every day for their hard work and devotion.
I am thankful for the chance to grow up surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who loved me and each other. I miss that as we have buried some, moved some away and just drifted apart when work and our own families intervened.
I am thankful for a sibling that shares a common beginning in life. I am blessed to know him; he has one of the kindest souls to ever walk this earth.
I am thankful for friends. People who genuinely care what happens to me for no other reason than they love me, warts and all. I am thankful to return that favor also.
I am thankful for my children. Words fail to express how deep into my soul that bond goes for me. Helping them learn has opened so many windows of illumination for me. I can never repay the gift that has been given to me by my children.
I am thankful for the gifts of the seasons. A warm wind running through the tree blossoms in spring, A hot, dry sun baking me to the bones as I listen to the sound of locusts outside, The first cool stirrings of autumn as the leaves change, and Quiet snowflakes in winter.
I am thankful to be of service to others. No other hell could haunt me as much as being useless.
Most of all, I am thankful to have my faith. Jesus has stood by me in many circumstances, both good and bad. He has held my hand even when I was too distraught to notice. He has picked up the pieces when my faith crumbled, held them close and protected them for me until I thought to ask for them again. His love for us is what allows me to be grateful for all else. Happy Thanksgiving to all.