So Much to Be Thankful for in 2009

It's the time of year to remember just how much we have to be thankful for. I try to remember every day how much we truly have and not to take anything for granted, but when bad things happen it's easy to forget how much we do have.

We were fortunate enough to move into a new, beautiful home last year. Every single time I pull in the driveway and walk in the front door I think of the years we lived in houses a size too small to save up for this house and how fortunate we are that we have a roof over our heads and food in our fridge. We don't have the best house around, but it's not the worst and it keeps us safe from the elements. Maybe it should be more of testament of our accomplishments, but I view our house as a reminder of the struggles we endured the early years of our marriage. Though I do admit, life is easier now, I don't ever want to forget how hard we had it for the first few years.

I have three gorgeous children whom I try to be thankful for every day. Being home with them all day, it's sometimes easy to forget how fortunately I really am when all three are running through the house yelling and fighting. But then, I think back and recall how my middle child should not be here and how precious life really is and it gets me through the crazy moments.

When my kids are screaming, I am thankful they have healthy lungs. When they run in the house, I am thankful they are able to run and walk. When I need to buy bigger clothes and shoes, I am thankful my children are healthy and growing. When they are just plain bad, I am thankful they are here and alive and I get to experience the miracle of watching them grow.

We all have bad days and bad times. If we didn't have those bad times we wouldn't be able to be thankful for the good times. Without the rain, we wouldn't be able to enjoy the sunshine. This Thanksgiving and every day, be thankful not only for the good times, but also be thankful for the bad times so that we are able to enjoy the good times.