"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest
appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
- John F. Kennedy
I love the Thanksgiving season because it reminds me to reflect on the blessings in my life. Throughout the year, I try to remember the importance of giving thanks, but I don't always do so well as I'd hope. As I was reading Linda's List of 50 (and her subsequent Thanksgiving Challenge), I thought it would be good to come up with 50 of my own.
50 Things for Which I Give Thanks:
- My testimony of the Gospel
- My husband
- My family
- New friends
- Old Friends
- The ward’s young women
- Education
- Knowledge
- A comfortable home
- Chocolate
- Power of prayer & faith
- Lifelong learning
- Good books
- The sacred nature of libraries
- Health & safety
- Living in Seattle
- Rainy, cool days
- A hard workout
- Lessons, stories or people who motivate me to be a better person
- Making goals
- Learning new skills
- Learning from mistakes
- Introspection
- Recognizing God’s love for me
- Having a good attitude
- Helping others
- Sharing talents
- Long talks with friends
- Cooking and baking good food
- Homemade rolls
- Music
- Getting things organized
- A thorough cleaning
- Knowing that change is not only good, but essential
- Not sweating the small stuff
- Feeling the spirit
- Moments of inspiration
- Moments of creativity
- Beautiful vistas
- The roar of the ocean
- Solitude
- Learning to love the imperfections
- The opportunity to repent
- The gift of forgiveness
- Receiving good news, fun mail or a surprise call/visit
- Celebrating accomplishments (big & small)
- Seeing the best in others
- The ability to laugh at myself
- Savoring each day
- Realizing what’s important
Now that I've finished my list, what are the blessings in your life this year? If you feel inspired to list 50 things, or just 1 - take a moment to give thanks. Better yet, try to extend the exercise beyond Turkey Day and make it a regular habit.
3 comments:
This was wonderful! It reminds me how THANKFUL I am for you and the role you've played in my life. I love you a gazillion million forever! Happy Thanksgiving to you and Dave.
What a great list. It reminds me of even more things that I didn't say. I sometimes just stop and ask "Why am I so blessed?" When I see things in the world today it makes me realize even more how thankful I should be and how I should be more helpful. I'm grateful to you for your friendship, especially in those hard days when we first moved here.
I love good friends that make me feel loved.
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