8 Things to Thank God For

It's so easy now days to take things for granted. We have so much but we don't always remember that. With holidays being very commercial, it's really easy to focus on the things we didn't get but wanted. In every day life, we get caught up in competing with others to achieve things if no other reason, just to say we have them too. But there are so many things that we have in life that generations past didn't and that those less fortunate in other countries still don't have.

The following is a brief list that serves as a reminder to all us, myself included, that we have it good, particularly in America. By the way, this list isn't a complete list of things to thank God for. That list could be endless!

1. Our health - without good health it's hard to accomplish anything or have a happy life. Don't take for granted that you are up and around, working, playing, doing chores. Just be happy you can. And if you do have an ailment, try to remember that it could be worse. There are plenty of others who are dealing with debilitating or fatal illnesses. Be thankful you aren't one of them and pray to God for healing for those who are in those situations.

2. Our family - most people have a least a few people to call family even if the family isn't large. Thank God for them and treat them as best as you can because they will always be there for you no matter how badly you disagree on things or argue. It's just petty stuff - give it up! Remember, life doesn't last forever so spend as much quality time as you can with them.

3. Our friends - God blesses us with special people in our lives that we aren't related to, but still love. They share our interests, our goals, and always seem to be in our corner cheering us on. Thank God for them.

4. Our homes - we're fortunate to have a place to hang our hats. Some people in other areas of the world sleep outdoors or live in really dilapidated surroundings you could hardly call home. It's freezing outside today and I am so happy and thankful to God I have shelter (and really nice shelter at that!) to go home to after work today.

5. Modern day conveniences - how did people ever live without air conditioning? I know it sounds a bit materialistic, but I thank God for air conditioning in the summer months. It helps keep me comfortable and keeps me from battling bugs days and night.

6. Modern transportation - you may think of cars, trains, airplanes and other modes of transportation as just that - a means to get you from one place to another. But consider how many more opportunities we now have because of this modern transportation. You can see family and friends you may otherwise not get to see, visit beautiful areas of the world people didn't get to see before, and participate in things that happen in a different area than us on the same day. You can participate in an educational conference in Florida this afternoon, even if you live in New Jersey. Generations past couldn't do that. Think how much more well educated we are today because of modern transportation. Thank God for planes, trains, and automobiles!

7. Modern technology - not everyone embraces modern technology, but I do. Again, we learn so much more than we use to because of it. Now we have access to countless websites and media outlets from across the world. We can access books we couldn't before, earn extra money because of the internet (just like I am doing writing this article) and so much more.

8. The beauty of our world - what a drab place our world would be if God hadn't made a variety of colorful flowers, a multitude of birds, trees, plants, and other beautiful natural things. Next time you see a rose bush, stop and smell the roses, or stop to admire the vibrant rainbow lingering right in front of you. Thank God for his "art work" and embrace it.

Thank God for all these wonderful things!