Giving Thanks

I'm thankful for all the usual:

• Jesus Christ
• Family
• Friends
  
• Health
• Home
• Happiness
• Material blessings
• Eternal blessings
• yadda yadda yadda

But, this year I'm finding myself paying a little extra attention to a few specifics that I'm finding myself thankful for on a very daily basis.

Such as?

I'm thankful that there is a treatment for and will someday be a cure for cancer. Along those lines, I'm also thankful on a daily basis that neither I nor anybody in my immediate family is suffering from cancer right now. You have no idea how thankful I am for this and how hopeful and optimistic I am that someday we will find a cure. I'm thankful that I can be a part of the fight and I can advocate for and directly support patients that are suffering and fighting daily.

And? I'm so incredibly thankful for my children. More than the joys that are obvious and fruitful (like their smiles, their milestones, their development...) I'm also thankful that I was able to have children. Three years ago, on Thanksgiving day, we lived through our one and only miscarriage. It's a day that I'll never forget. But, it's a memory that is often clouded over by the happiness of having my gorgeous and perfect children in my life. And it's also a reminder of how strong, protective, caring, and loving my husband is.

I'm also thankful that I'm able to exercise and take care of myself. I love to run, and am finding it to be almost like an addiction. It's a way to let go of my cares and concerns, even if only for an hour. It's incredibly liberating and gives me the greatest high that lasts all through the night and well into the next day. I find it exhilarating that I can push my body; work my muscles, my lungs, my mental state until I feel that release of tension. For me, not being able to run or exercise in some way would be a tragedy. I'm thankful that I can. That I've learned how to push myself. And, even more - that I have found support and motivation in the encouragement I get from family and especially my running buddy.

I'm extremely thankful for my work. There are some days... weeks, even... when I wonder if I made the right decision - if I'm cut out to be a "daycare mom." But, I only have that negativity when I'm stressed out and not thinking clearly. I work in my passion. I get to use my gifts and talents on a daily basis. And I don't even have to leave the house. Or the girls. I'm extremely blessed. I'm thankful for that.

This year - I'm going to use thanksgiving as an excuse to try and tell people, friends and family, why I am thankful for them. I hope you do the same.