Ten Things I'm Thankful for This Thanksgiving

In some families, Thanksgiving has become nothing more than a homage to turkey and American football. But others remember the stories from school days about Pilgrims and Indians. A hard winter, a good harvest, a shared feast, a day for giving thanks. Economically, the past couple years have been so tough for a number of folks. Remembering the things we have to be thankful for is a good exercise to counteract the fear that often accompanies hard times. Here are ten things I'm particularly thankful for during this Thanksgiving season. I hope you can think up a few of your own.

The Blessing of Economic Provision

Last Thanksgiving, my husband was finishing his last weeks of work with no permanent employment prospects in sight. I wasn't earning much, either. This year, we've moved on to a more stable situation. And in the meantime, we never went hungry, had to go without heat, or lost our home. In a world where people live on the street and can't afford food, I'm thankful for economic provision.

The Benefit of a Loving Family

I've always enjoyed a loving family. And when I got married, I gained double the family. Every Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for them. So what's different about this year? Well, it's another year we've been able to share with loved ones. Every day truly is a gift. Plus, last year, we had a grandma in the hospital, but she's made a great recovery. I'm thankful for that. We have a new nephew this year, and he's healthy and growing. Surely, the family is giving thanks for that, as well.

The Beauty of Changing Leaves

Several months ago, I expected to spend this Thanksgiving in Puerto Rico. The island has a beauty of its own, but I thought I'd miss the changing leaves. However, things didn't turn out like I thought, and here I am, watching as the leaves start to change colors, one of my favorite scenes in nature.

The Boon of Life in the United States

In the past year, my husband and I traveled to Africa. It's a disturbing thing to see the slums there. The corruption in the government-hundreds of thousands of dollars of aid not reaching the people it's intended to help, but instead lining the pockets of already-rich politicians. This country has its flaws, for sure, but it's one of the best places in the world to live. I'm thankful for it, and I hope you other Americans are, too.

The Bonus of Returning to My Home State

I grew up in West Virginia, moved away, and have now returned. It's beautiful country, and I'm giving thanks for returning to its mountains this Thanksgiving. I also get to see my family and some old friends more frequently. Though I may not stay here forever, I'm enjoying this season of my life.

The Bliss of Work

This time last year, I didn't know if we could afford for me to continue freelancing. The income of a freelance lifestyle can be sporadic and unpredictable. In the past year, God has blessed me with more work, and I am more satisfied with my work than ever before. In my book, that's a great reason for giving thanks.

The Bounty of Generosity

Some people always find a way to give of their time, money, and talent to help others. I've seen human beings reach out and help, for the benefit of us and of others. I count it an extra-special blessing to see generosity living on in years like this, in a low economy.

The Balance of Health

Last Thanksgiving, I was in quite a bit of pain from a virus. I'm thankful for the way God has created my body to fight illness and adjust even to viruses that stay in my body for the rest of my life.

The Brightness of a Fresh Start

Sometimes, I overcommit to too many things, and when I want to cut back, I feel I am letting others down. I've moved since last Thanksgiving. Although moving to a new city can be a stressful transition, I am currently giving thanks for the clean feeling of a fresh start. I can freely choose what to get involved in and how much to fill my schedule.

The Best of a Relationship with God

The best blessing is a relationship with God. He isn't just a religious idea. Since last Thanksgiving, I've seen His faithfulness, heard His voice, and found more pleasure in my relationship with Him. I wish I could say that the passage of each year leaves me feeling closer to God. I can't always. But this year, I'm thankful for all God has taught me since last Thanksgiving. He is real, and He is near. And that's the best reason of all for giving thanks. These verses say it best:

Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's (Psalm 103:1-5).

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.