Thankful Thursday

So often, I get so caught up in one of the million things going on in my life, that I forget that sometimes, I just need to take a step-back and think about all of the things that I have to be thankful for...

Here's a quick little list.

--My Family.
       I am extremely close with my family, and I feel blessed to say that I am.  Working in education, I see first-hand what an impact family life has on a child, and I am so thankful that I was raised in a household with two parents, a brother, and a sister.  I was lucky enough to know my grandparents on both sides, and even great-grandparents.  Sure, there are times that we fight, but what family doesn't?  The older I get, the more I realize what a wonderful gift my parents gave to me.

--My Friends.
       My friends are basically family, so this should come as no surprise.  I can honestly say that I have a handful of friends that would be there for me -- no matter what -- and that's a pretty great feeling.  No idea why they put up with my craziness, but they do, and I love them for it.

--My Job.
       Talk about being blessed...  I scored the job that I wanted, at the school that I wanted, and I have loved every minute of this first year.  Every time I hear about unemployment rates and people losing their homes due to foreclosure, I close my eyes and say a little, "Thank You."  If you asked me two years ago if I thought it was possible for someone to really love their job, I would have told you, without a doubt, NO.  But now, I totally get that old adage of "If you find work doing something that you love, you'll never work a day in your life."  (or however it's supposed to go!)

--My Abilities.
       I am capable of doing so many things in my life -- I can travel when I want to go somewhere, I can pay my own bills, I live by myself, I was able to balance working and going to school to get my Master's, I can stand-up for myself, speak for myself, and think for myself -- and while some of those things may seem like common-sense, they're not for everyone.  At least once a day, it seems that I'll notice someone who cannot do for themselves, and it makes me acutely aware of all that I have going for me.  How thankful I should be.

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." -- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Be thankful today girls.  Be sure to say "Please," and "Thank You," even for small efforts.  Smile instead of frown.  We all have so much to be thankful for.